EDITOR’S NOTE: Seattle’s Child publishes health alerts and new articles from Public Health — Seattle & King County as a service to our readers. The article below was written by department staff and posted on the Public Health Insider blog and reposted with permission.
On August 18, Executive Girmay Zahilay announced that King County is investing $900,000 as part of a new public-private partnership to support the health and wellbeing of immigrant and refugee communities impacted by federal immigration enforcement activities in South King County.
The South King County Immigrant and Refugee Futures Fund (SIRFF) is a new partnership that will provide funding to organizational networks to support urgent needs of community members affected by federal actions. Areas of support include funding for basic needs, rapid response training for families, safety education, and programs focused on mental health, community care, and healing.
The funding builds on the $2 million in emergency funds announced as part of Executive Zahilay’s Protecting Immigrant and Refugee Communities Executive Order signed in February. That funding was distributed to community-based organizations to support housing stabilization, legal aid, and food assistance for immigrant and refugee residents throughout the county.
“King County is stronger when every resident – regardless of their immigration status – feels safe, welcomed, and has the support they need to thrive. 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, especially for communities in South King County,” said Zahilay. “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. By investing in this partnership, we’re helping build a stronger, healthier, and more resilient King County for everyone.”
Partners in immigrant and refugee health and wellbeing
Two Best Starts for Kids initiatives based in Public Health – Seattle & King County will be leading the partnership at the county: Communities of Opportunity (COO) and the Community Well-Being Initiative (CWI). They are partnering with the Renton Regional Community Foundation (RRCF) and Sheng-Yen Lu Foundation to invest in immigrant and refugee communities in south King County. RRCF will provide a minimum match of $250,000 to the County’s contribution to refugees futures fund, which will run through 2027.
“The South King County Immigrant and Refugee Futures Fund follows our community-identified priority to ensure that philanthropic resources move quickly, responsibly, and with deep community accountability to trusted frontline organizations leading response, care, and protection efforts. This partnership will enable rapid and long-term, community-informed action with immediate impact.” said LeAnne Moss, executive director of the Renton Regional Community Foundation. “We invite other philanthropic organizations to join the fund’s effort.”
Challenged communities
Many of South King County’s communities are experiencing deep stress and mental health and well-being challenges. As part of the partnership, the Community Well-Being Initiative is supporting mental health supports, with resources directed to specific challenges faced by immigrants, refugees and others, such as LGBTQ+ communities.
According to Dr. Sandra Valenciano, director and health officer for Public Health – Seattle & King County: “Our immigrant and refugee communities are experiencing a broad set of challenges right now. We are stepping up to support their health and well-being, including mental health and basic needs. This partnership will provide immediate relief and also strengthen our local community networks for sustained coordination and support.”
RRCF will lead implementation of the fund, in collaboration with Sheng-Yen Lu Foundation, and other philanthropic organizations and individuals. Funds will be allocated to south King County organizations that work closely with communities impacted, with additional detail on funding processes and focus areas being developed in collaboration with community partners. Additional partners are invited to support the fund.
