King County is investing $900,000 in a new public-private partnership to support immigrant and refugee communities affected by federal immigration enforcement in South King County.
King County Executive Girmay Zahilay announced the South King County Immigrant and Refugee Futures Fund, or SIRFF, on Aug. 18.
“I’ve heard directly from immigrant and refugee residents about how the fear of federal immigration enforcement is taking a toll on their health and wellbeing… That’s why we are advancing this public-private partnership with trusted community organizations to connect people with the resources, services, and support they need,” said Zahilay.
The fund will support community organizations providing basic needs assistance, rapid-response training, safety education, mental health services and community care.
The effort includes a significant philanthropic partnership involving the Renton Regional Community Foundation and the Sheng-Yen Lu Foundation. The Renton foundation has committed at least $250,000 in matching funds, while the Sheng-Yen Lu Foundation will collaborate on implementation and funding efforts.
The fund builds on $2 million in emergency funding announced by Zahilay in February for housing stabilization, legal aid and food assistance.
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