IWR has launched a Spring Appeal to raise funds for our programs supporting refugees and immigrants in Tompkins County. Make a donation to help us reach our goal of $50,000!
Policy changes since the entry of the current administration have affected the status, security, freedoms and access to services of displaced people across the country. We remain committed to the framework of partnership provided by our core programs but are now also adapting our efforts as new needs emerge. Despite having laid the groundwork, this has been challenging. As we learn of new federal policies affecting our community members’ ability to live and work in the US, we determine what we can legally do to help. Meanwhile, the legality of many of the new policies is being challenged by high-level judges, but it remains unclear whether the administration will heed court orders, and what the outcome will be for the individuals and families implicated. At each turn, our refugee partners feel like there is nowhere safe in the world for them to live their lives.
Today, unrestricted funds are more important than ever in enabling IWR to pursue our mission. We are watchful for breaking news that could come at any moment, signaling that recent attempts by the Trump administration to revoke our refugee partners’ legal statuses and work permits have been successful, although we hope and pray for the opposite. Should work permits be revoked, IWR is poised to move quickly to cover all basic household expenses like rent, utilities, and food for several families, substantially increasing our expenses until enough time has passed that they are eligible for asylum-based work permits.
IWR efforts so far to combat the damage caused by the administration’s immigration policies include: Know Your Rights presentations, information sessions on designating a trusted adult as a temporary guardian of one’s children in case of detention or deportation, and paying fees for filing asylum claims. In terms of new requests for help, we have yet to see a slowdown, and cuts to resettlement agencies mean refugees in need may relocate to supportive places like Tompkins County in search of help.
As new developments continue to unfold, we know only that the federal administration seems intent on creating a hostile environment for those most vulnerable. Help us resist the pressure on our refugee and immigrant community members through practical support and care in the months ahead.
- $50 provides a starting supply of groceries for a newly arrived family
- $210 provides 4 driving lessons to help one adult become mobile and access work and services
- $500 provides a housing subsidy for an IWR family for a month
- $750 provides a Global Roots scholarship for one child for a month
- $1,500 provides one month’s full rent to a family, should they temporarily lose their work permits
Any amount you can give will be gratefully received and make a difference to people’s lives. In addition, an anonymous supporter has pledged a match of $25,000 for this appeal, meaning your gift will be doubled.
Please consider becoming a monthly donor to help support our programs on an ongoing basis. To set this up, toggle the donation schedule to ‘monthly’ when you make a gift via our donation page.
