In a move to bolster its support for immigrants and refugees, Multnomah County has rolled out a new funding initiative aimed at assisting those affected by heightened immigration enforcement and policy changes. The county's Shelter Fund recently saw the addition of a $75,000 Multnomah Asylum Fund, specifically designed to help groups outside the current agreement with county authorities. The recent resolution and allocation of a $250,000 budget, championed by Chair Jessica Vega Pederson and Second District Commissioner Shannon Singleton, is the backbone of this push for strengthened asylum commitment, as reported by Multnomah County's official press release.
The Shelter Fund is not operating alone; an additional $175,000 has been directed towards legal aid and other essential services. To really kick things into action, $226,000 from Metro's Supportive Housing Services (SHS) fund will also be used to provide rent assistance through Bienestar de la Familia. The funding is a direct response to community fears heightened by federal immigration policy, a situation which has led families to experience increased levels of economic and housing instability, according to the county's announcement.
Three agencies were selected to rapidly distribute these funds amidst the extended state of emergency: $60,000 to the Multnomah Public Defence, another $60,000 to Immigration Legal Services Department of the Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon, and $55,000 to the Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization. These agencies are set to provide a gamut of services, from immigration legal aid to tenant protection. Bienestar de la Familia will specifically cater to basic needs like food, rent, and utility aid, as noted by Multnomah County's press statement.
The newly minted Multnomah Asylum Fund started accepting applications this past Friday, with a February 18 deadline, creating new avenues for organizations that don't have existing contracts with the county government to receive support. The application process, divulged in multiple languages for wider accessibility, is hosted on the county's Multco Marketplace. This initiative reflects Multnomah County's dedication to ensuring diversity is not only acknowledged but actively supported.
Metro's Direct Customer Assistance Fund complements these efforts, contributing $226,000 towards duties that Bienestar has proudly carried for nearly three decades. As the county's press release highlights, Bienestar de la Familia is a longstanding beacon for immigrant and refugee families in need, with services spanning numerous languages and inclusive of monthly food distribution events in partnership with local organizations. This fund is earmarked for use by families grappling with risks of homelessness or unstable housing due directly to immigration enforcement and policy shifts.
