In an effort to bolster its sanctuary policies, Multnomah County has designated $250,000 for community support, a part of this sum launching the new Multnomah Sanctuary Fund. According to the county news release, the $75,000 grant program, introduced by Chair Jessica Vega Pederson and District 2 Commissioner Shannon Singleton, was approved by the county's Board of Commissioners and is aimed at supporting immigrant and refugee communities affected by heightened immigration enforcement.
The remaining $175,000 from the legislative action will directly bolster legal services and various needs including the distribution of SHS funds amounting to $226,000 from Metro, intended for rent assistance for families disrupted by immigration policy enforcement, this funding is being distributed to Bienestar de la Familia, a long-standing community support program. Amidst ongoing federal immigration policy upheaval, Multnomah County's immigrant and refugee populations have faced heightened anxiety, resulting in economic and emotional challenges, especially for those who are primary income earners and now find themselves ensnared by federal agents.
To combat these adversities, the County's Board of Commissioners has condemned federal immigration tactics and allocated financial resources to ensure equitable access to essential services. In an expedient move, given the extension of an emergency declaration, $175,000 is earmarked for Multnomah Public Defenders, Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon (EMO), and the Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization (IRCO) to provide immediate support such as legal and tenant defense services; additionally, direct client assistance will be available via Bienestar de la Familia, including rent, food, and utilities.
Applications for the Multnomah Sanctuary Fund will be open starting tomorrow, with a deadline of Feb. 18, 2026, targeting organizations and businesses not already under contract with the county, prioritizing those who serve linguistically, ethnically, and culturally diverse communities that have not recently received similar government funding. Organizations interested in applying for the grant can find information in multiple languages on the county's website and must use the Multco Marketplace to submit their applications; all funds are expected to be utilized by June 30, 2026.
The resolution passed by the Metro Council, allocating $226,000 to the cause, will operate through Bienestar de la Familia, a program that offers vital services including food markets to community members, with those funds designated for those at risk of homelessness or instability due to immigration enforcement or policy changes, including housing stability support, rental and utility assistance, and other fundamental necessities.
