Multnomah County is launching a $75,000 grant program and allocating $175,000 more to support immigrants affected by federal enforcement changes.
MULTNOMAH COUNTY, Ore. — Multnomah County will begin accepting applications Friday for a $75,000 grant program aimed at supporting immigrant and refugee communities affected by federal immigration enforcement, officials announced Thursday.
The Multnomah Sanctuary Fund is part of $250,000 in community support funding the board of commissioners approved Dec. 18 to strengthen the county’s sanctuary commitment, according to the county. Chair Jessica Vega Pederson and District 2 Commissioner Shannon Singleton introduced the legislation.
Beyond the grant fund, the county will directly allocate $175,000 to support legal services and other needs. The county also received $226,000 in Supportive Housing Services funding from Metro to support rent assistance for families affected by immigration enforcement, which will be distributed to Bienestar de la Familia.
County outreach through the Emergency Operations Center found that increasing federal immigration enforcement and changing immigration policies are creating anxiety and fear for immigrant and refugee communities, regardless of immigration status, according to the county. This is causing some residents to avoid leaving their homes or shelters to travel to work, school, government buildings or grocery stores, leading to housing and financial instability.
Many people detained by federal agents are the main source of income for their households, causing economic and emotional stress for families, the county said.
The county will allocate $175,000 to the Department of County Human Services to support people and families affected by federal enforcement practices. The funds will go to three service providers who hold existing contracts or are pre-qualified:
$60,000 to Multnomah Public Defenders$60,000 to Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon for immigration legal services$55,000 to The Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization
These funds will provide immediate assistance for needs including legal services with immigration, tenant defense and other client services, according to the county.
The Multnomah Sanctuary Fund is meant for organizations or businesses not currently contracted with the county. The program prioritizes distribution across diverse linguistic, ethnic and cultural communities, especially those that have not recently received similar emergency government funding.
The application deadline is Feb. 18. Interested organizations must apply online through Multco Marketplace, the county’s official procurement platform. Information in multiple languages is available at multco.us/federal. All funds must be spent by June 30, with limited potential for exceptions.
The $226,000 in Metro funding will serve households at risk of homelessness or housing instability as a result of immigration enforcement activities and policy changes. The funds can be used for housing stability needs, rental assistance payments, utility payments, food assistance, transportation support and other basic needs.
Bienestar de la Familia, a county program launched nearly 30 years ago, operates in northeast Portland and provides services in various languages. Families can access the funds directly through Bienestar de la Familia or by connecting with their SUN Site manager or Family Resource Navigator.