Due to federal funding freezes, over 20 employees have been laid off at Erie County's resettlement agencies, with more layoffs expected. In response, Vice President Erin Fessler of Erie Community foundation has announced a partnership with Infinite Erie to launch a Rapid Response Fund, aimed at providing crucial support to refugees in the area.
"Because federal funding has been cut to these programs, much of the essential work has stalled, and many of our immigrants and refugees are now in crisis situations," said Kimberly Thomas, Executive Director of Infinite Erie. She emphasized how the loss of these vital services could negatively impact the local economy, noting that while refugees make up 4.1 percent of the population, they own 5 percent of businesses in Erie.
"The fact that we're able to bring everyone together to respond in this way is critical. These individuals are homeowners, employees, and family members who contribute significantly to our economy and society," said Thomas. "They are human beings adding tremendous value to our community."
Katie Kretz, Executive Director of the Multicultural Community Resource Center, shared the immediate effects of the funding freeze. She highlighted that the new fund not only supports the well-being of refugees but also aims to change the narrative around the term "refugee."
"We need to understand that every refugee family brought to the United States has gone through a rigorous vetting process to ensure their safety. What people often fail to realize is that these refugees typically wait 15 to 20 years before they are able to come to the United States," Kretz explained.
