The January federal funding cut of many refugee programs has created a gap in the system. Because local resettlement agencies have lost federal funding and been ordered to stop many services to refugee families, they are currently unable to meet the needs of refugees both physically and financially.

The agencies have had to lay off staff, prohibiting them from providing assistance with job procurement, enrollment in school, government assistance programs, (SNAP, healthcare) and ESL classes, procuring driving permits, food pantry assistance and more.

The agencies are also unable to fully assist financially. Refugee families normally receive 3 months of rent assistance, giving them time to find jobs and get settled. Currently the agencies are not able to do this. All of this has left many refugee families unable to pay their rent with many on the verge of eviction. We know of many families that are currently in dire need of rent and utility assistance.

Refugee Community Assistance (RCA) is hoping to raise funds to help with rent and utility payments for the refugees that have fallen through the cracks. Most of the families have just arrived in the past 3 months and have not yet been provided with the training, tools and rental assistance they were promised. RCA’s main goal is rent and utility assistance.

If you would be willing to join our efforts to help the refugee families with rent/utility assistance, your donation would be greatly appreciated.

If your heart lies with helping the refugees physically, we’d love to talk with you about leading or being part of a Support Circle. This would involve in-person assistance, of which there is also an immediate need. If you would like to participate in this way please contact us.