[Thread] [Links for ways to donate in thread] #MaineRefugee agencies scramble to preserve basic services after State Department cuts off funding
Maine Public | By Ari Snider
Published January 29, 2025
"Days after suspending the federal refugee admissions program, the Trump administration issued a second directive ordering resettlement agencies to stop providing basic assistance to refugees already in the country. Though much remains uncertain, it's already disrupted services in Maine.
"Typically, the federal government reimburses resettlement agencies up to $1,650 for certain expenses related to housing, food, and other basic needs during the first 90 days after a refugee arrives, plus $1,350 per refugee for administrative costs and staff positions.
"But #InzaOuattara, Maine's refugee coordinator through #CatholicCharities, said the State Department advised last week that it will no longer cover those costs.
"Ouattara said that could have immediate consequences for about 200 newly-arrived refugees in Maine.
"'They are all in temporary housing and hotels,' Outtara said. 'Where are these small refugees agency that we have in Maine to get the money to pay for those hotels?'
"Outtara said this directive is separate from the Trump Administration's now-rescinded memo ordering a widespread freeze on government grants and loans.
"Following the State Department's directive, #RilwanOsman, executive director of #MaineImmigrantAndRefugeeServices, in #LewistonMaine, said he's already had to lay off about half a dozen employees.
"But he said his group will not abandon the roughly 100 refugees in its care.
"'The support might be limited, but again, as an organization, as a human being, we have that moral obligation to continue supporting these families, despite the challenges,' he said.
"Osman said he's hoping to raise some emergency stopgap funding through an appeal to the local community.
"The Jewish Community Alliance of Southern Maine is also scrambling to find new funding streams, said Micaela Tepler, with the group's resettlement team.
"She said that's led to temporary delays in delivering basic needs such as groceries.
"'So even if they're going to get the same services from a different funding, it's going to take a week or two until we're really effective at providing that,' Tepler said. 'So for clients, there is a real pause, and I think this week has been really, really scary and difficult for them.'
"The #USRefugeeAdmissionsProgram is a decades-old legal pathway for individuals fleeing violence and persecution. Refugees admitted through the program are vetted by various federal agencies before being assigned to state-level resettlement agencies."
https://www.mainepublic.org/politics/2025-01-29/maine-refugee-agencies-scramble-to-preserve-basic-services-after-state-department-cuts-off-funding
[#]MainePublic #NPR #News #USPol #MainePol #Fundraising #Refugees #RefugeeAid #NewMainers #Immigrants
=> More informations about this toot | More toots from DoomsdaysCW@kolektiva.social
[#]MaineImmigrantAndRefugeeServices
"Your donation to #MEIRS transforms lives, fueling programs that empower individuals and families to prosper and engage actively in our community. Thank you for helping us shape a brighter future. Thank you so much in advance for your donation!"
https://donorbox.org/meirs-donatenow?default_interval=m&amount=25
[#]USPol #MainePol #Fundraising #Refugees #RefugeeAid #NewMainers #Immigrants #Fundraiser #USRefugeeAdmissionsProgram
=> More informations about this toot | More toots from DoomsdaysCW@kolektiva.social
I'll be making a donation in memory of #JudithSouthworth -- my former boss, and a tireless advocate for #MaineRefugees and #CatholicCharities coordinator.
Donate
There are many ways you can support our work with refugees:
Financial Contribution
- Donate online (Please be sure to designate your donation to Refugee and Immigration Services)
- Checks may be mailed to Catholic Charities Maine Central Office at PO Box 10660, Portland, ME 04104-6060, with Refugee and Immigration Services (RIS) noted in the Check’s memo line.
Gift Cards
New Mainers are delighted to receive gift cards so they can choose exactly what they need. Grocery stores, Walmart, Target, Reny's, Mardens, and Marshalls/TJMaxx carry much of what is needed.
If you or someone you know would like to rent to a refugee, we will help make it work! We’ll help families understand their lease and what you expect of them. We’ll help you communicate and get to know each other. We’re always looking to expand our network of immigrant-friendly landlords & housing partners. We need creative and affordable temporary & permanent housing solutions for refugees. Please help us provide their first home in the US.
https://www.ccmaine.org/refugee-immigration-services/support/donate
[#]CatholicCharitiesMaine #USPol #MainePol #Fundraising #Refugees #RefugeeAid #NewMainers #Immigrants #Fundraiser #USRefugeeAdmissionsProgram
=> More informations about this toot | More toots from DoomsdaysCW@kolektiva.social
Donate! Refugee Resettlement & Newcomer Services
Michael Klahr Jewish Family Services
About Refugee Resettlement
"As a HIAS affiliate network partner, the #JCA welcomes refugees from countries all over the world. We help meet them at the airport, ensure they have housing, and help them find work and the services they need to flourish in their new home in Maine.
"Our commitment to the needs of refugees comes from many places: from the biblical injunction to "welcome the stranger" to the personal stories of our community members' families who fled persecution to find safety here in Maine. The Refugee Resettlement program operates under the auspices of HIAS, the Global Jewish Organization for Refugees. Reception and Placement services are paid for, in part, through financial assistance provided by the Department of State [which has just been cut off by Herr Drumpf]."
https://www.mainejewish.org/RRNS?fbclid=IwY2xjawIKMi5leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHcVLb5iR3xaTyuElnqoBqhu37M_5dnYv0plvnIVwMOPUNKoM7lFJgZdFlA_aem_D8qrpgfb8szTewawGoxS-w
[#]USPol #MainePol #Fundraising #Refugees #RefugeeAid #NewMainers #Immigrants #Fundraiser #USRefugeeAdmissionsProgram
=> More informations about this toot | More toots from DoomsdaysCW@kolektiva.social
text/geminiThis content has been proxied by September (3851b).