Infinite Erie has established a Rapid Response Team to develop strategies and catalyze collective action in response to federal funding freezes impacting Erie County communities. 

“Federal funding freezes are forcing budget crises at the local level,” said Kim Thomas, Executive Director, Infinite Erie. “The Rapid Response Team was developed to convene leaders and organizations toward collective action. The looming crisis in the refugee resettlement community could cause instability across our workforce,
neighborhoods, and local economy and Erie leaders are stepping up.”

The Erie Community Foundation has launched a Rapid Response Fund. According to Infinite Erie, the fund will welcome donations from the community to support nonprofits in times of crisis. 

The Erie Community Foundation has previously supported collective response efforts through the creation of rapid response funds during crisis times during COVID-19 and the onset of the war in Ukraine. 

“The ECF is designed to meet the moment when the community needs us most – this is one of those times,” said Karen Bilowith, President & CEO, The Erie Community Foundation. “Erie has a proud legacy of welcoming refugees and building a stronger, more inclusive community for all. The federal funding shortage will soon cause a ripple effect across our local economy if we don’t engage in a collective response. Long term solutions are required, but we need to stabilize a rapidly declining situation, now.”

The Erie Community Foundation Rapid Response Fund will initially accept contributions to help nonprofits addressing urgent challenges for Erie's refugee community and others affected by federal funding disruptions. 

Infinite Erie says Rapid Response Assistance is essential to ensure vital services continue and to prevent a negative economic ripple. 

More information on the Erie Community Foundation Rapid Response Fund can be found here.