Title
Consider a Referral Regarding Allocating City Council Goal Funds to World Relief to Assist with the Support of Immigrant and Refugee Families Settled in Olympia and Thurston County
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
The Finance Committee recommends approving the referral to allocate City Council goal funds to World Relief to Assist with the support of immigrant and refugee families settled in Olympia and Thurston County.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve the referral to allocate City Council goal funds to World Relief to Assist with the support of immigrant and refugee families settled in Olympia and Thurston County and encourage the cities of Tumwater and Lacey along with Thurston County to follow suit.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve the referral to allocate City Council goal funds to World Relief to Assist with the support of immigrant and refugee families settled in Olympia and Thurston County and encourage the cities of Tumwater and Lacey along with Thurston County to follow suit.
Staff Contact:
Susan Grisham, Assistant to the City Council, 360.753.8244
Presenter(s):
Clark Gilman, Councilmember
Background and Analysis:
Due to recent federal funding cuts, nearly 40 recent refugees in Olympia have lost access to money and support that the United States government promised them to help them settle and acclimate to their new home. World Relief of Western Washington, a nonprofit organization and licensed refugee resettlement organization located in Thurston County, is now supporting these new neighbors without the expectation of reimbursement from the federal government.
The federal funding cuts threaten the organization’s ability to continue securing stable housing, providing cultural orientation, employment support and school enrollment for newly arrived families. Without immediate local support, many new refugees may lose access to vital services that help them establish stability in our community.
The City of Olympia has an opportunity to demonstrate leadership by allocating $30,000 from Council Goal Funds to World Relief and encouraging cities of Tumwater and Lacey along with Thurston County to follow suit.
Climate Analysis:
This item does not affect greenhouse gas emission reduction goals.
Equity Analysis:
Immigrants and refugees often encounter systemic barriers when settling in a new community. These challenges can include language barriers, cultural differences, difficulties in securing housing and employment, and navigating complex administrative systems. Addressing these barriers is essential to fostering a welcoming and inclusive community.
The City of Olympia is committed to advancing equity by ensuring all residents-regardless of background-have access to the resources and opportunities needed to build stable and successful lives. Recognizing and valuing the identities, lived experiences, and diverse perspectives of our growing community strengthens our collective well-being.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The community is interested in supporting new members of the community so they can participate in the civic, economic, and cultural life of the City, creating a more just, resilient, and thriving Olympia for all.
Financial Impact:
The request is for an allocation of $30,000 of City Council goal funds.
Options:
1. Move to approve the referral to allocate City Council goal funds to World Relief to Assist with the support of immigrant and refugee families settled in Olympia and Thurston County and encourage the cities of Tumwater and Lacey along with Thurston County to follow suit.
2. Do not Move to approve the referral to allocate City Council goal funds to World Relief to Assist with the support of immigrant and refugee families settled in Olympia and Thurston County and encourage the cities of Tumwater and Lacey along with Thurston County to follow suit.
3. Take other action.
Attachments:
Referral