Washington COVID-19 Immigrant Relief Fund
Washington COVID-19 Immigrant Relief Fund Program Announcements:
The Washington COVID-19 Immigrant Relief Fund opened for applications on Oct. 21, 2020. The relief fund will provide $40 million in federal CARES Act funding to distribute a one-time cash grant of $1,000 per person (up to $3,000 per household) to Washington residents who are ineligible because of immigration status for federal stimulus funds or unemployment benefits.
To be eligible, individuals must be:
- A Washington state resident, and
- At least 18 years of age, and
- Have been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic (such as losing employment, being diagnosed with COVID-19, have had to care for a family member diagnosed with COVID-19) and,
- Did not receive the federal stimulus check and/or are not able to receive unemployment compensation because of their immigration status.
Applications will be accepted starting Oct. 21, 2020 through Dec. 6, 2020. Approximately 38,000 grants will be distributed to eligible and approved applicants no later than Dec. 28, 2020.
Applications will be accepted on a first-come-first-serve basis, prioritizing those in greatest need.
Eligible community members can apply by:
- Visiting the website at www.immigrantreliefwa.org,
- Calling the hotline 844-724-3737 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., or
- Print the application and mail it to the P.O. Box #84327, Seattle, WA 98124.
For more information, please refer to
2020 Washington Refugee Symposium on Racial Justice
On November 20, 2020, the Washington Office of Refugee and Immigrant Assistance will host a one-day symposium on the intersections of racial justice, immigrant and refugee communities and the Black Lives Matter movement.
2020 Washington Refugee Symposium
Racial Justice, Immigrant & Refugee Communities & Black Lives Matter
Friday, November 20, 09:30amm – 02:00pm (PST)
Virtual
If you are interested in attending, please register by Monday, November 15 at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/STC3WDF
For questions concerning registration, please send an email to oriainfo@dshs.wa.gov.
COVID-19 Updates
The Washington Office of Refugee and Immigrant Assistance recognizes that refugee and immigrant communities are significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. ORIA partners with organizations across the state to continue to offer services that are culturally relative and in the preferred language. Program and service changes and updates related to COVID-19 will be posted here:
New COVID-19 Emergency Support Services for Refugee Fund
The Washington Office of Refugee and Immigrant Assistance established a fund to provide resources for refugees and other eligible immigrant individuals and families to receive short-term assistance to cover immediate needs, including rent, utilities, internet and other approved costs. Eligible participants can access these resources by applying at one of ORIA’s contracted services providers. Contact information is available on this program announcement.
Extension of Refugee Cash and Medical Assistance Program
Washington extended Refugee Cash and Medical Assistance benefits due to COVID-19. If you are a single or married refugee or humanitarian immigrant without children, and are not currently receiving cash or medical assistance, you may be eligible. Please apply by calling the DSHS Customer Service Contact Center at 877-501-2233, or you can apply online at WashingtonConnection.org For more information, please refer to the program announcement.
COVID-19 Resources
The Washington Office of Refugee and Immigrant Assistance has created a COVID-19 Translated Resource Directory. This directory shares information in over 100 languages with different formats, including fact sheets flyers, posters, audio recordings, and videos.
COVID-19 Response Services
In response to COVID-19, contracted service providers are offering a menu of different service options to meet the current and changing needs of immigrants and refugees in our communities. These services include:
These services include the following:
- Conduct a Needs Assessment that addresses overall financial stability, housing, employment, social and emotional well-being, child and youth, and elders and health and medical needs;
- Information and referrals on resources for COVID-19, 2020 Census, public benefits and new stimulus programs and updates on available services and resources;
- Providing and/or connecting with new services, including helping people apply for Unemployment Insurance Benefits, addressing food insecurity, addressing gaps in child care and employer outreach and engagement;
- Education and Client Engagement offering opportunities to address social isolation through remote options, engaging volunteers to support new community members remotely and providing distance learning options for civics and ESL classes.
