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HomeMy WebLinkAboutReg 2024-07-01 Item 6 - Update - Washington State and City of Tukwila's Asylum and Refugee ResponseCOUNCIL AGENDA SYNOPSIS Initials Meeting Date Prepared by Mayor's review Council review 7/01/24 BWM ITEM INFORMATION ITEM No. 6 STAFF SPONSOR: B.MILES ORIGINAL AGENDA DATE: 7/ 1/ 24 AGENDA ITEM TITLE Washington State and City of Tukwila Asylum and Refugee Response Update CATEGORY ® Discussion Mtg Date 7/01/24 Motion Mtg Dale Resolution Mfg Date ❑ Ordinance Alt g Date Bid Award Altg Date ❑ Public Hearing ❑ Other Altg Date Altg Date SPONSOR ❑ Council ® Mayor ❑ Admin Svcs ❑ DCD ❑ Finance ❑ Fire ❑ P&R ❑ Police ❑ PW SPONSOR'S SUMMARY Staff from the Washington State Department of Refugee and Immigrant Assistance and the Mayor's Office will provide an update on the statewide and local response to the growing needs of the aslyum and refugees in the area. REVIEWED BY ❑ Trans&Infrastructure Svcs ❑ LTAC DATE: N/A Community Svcs/Safety ❑ Finance & Governance ❑ Planning & Community Dev. ❑ Arts Comm. ❑ Parks Comm. ❑ Planning Comm. COMMITTEE CHAIR: N/A RECOMMENDATIONS: SPONSOR/ADMIN. Mayor's Office COMMITTEE COST IMPACT / FUND SOURCE EXPENDITURE REQUIRED $N/A AMOUNT BUDGETED $N/A APPROPRIATION REQUIRED $N/A Fund Source: N/A Comments: N/A MTG. DATE RECORD OF COUNCIL ACTION 07/01/24 MTG. DATE ATTACHMENTS 7/01/24 Powerpoint Presentation 45 46 Tukwila Asylum Seeker Response JULY 1, 2024 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING INFORMATION ONLY Staff will provide an informational update for discussion. No action sought from Council. Tonight's Agenda Overview of the Statewide asylum seeker response. 2. City of Tukwila's asylum seeker response 1. Partner in statewide response 2. Upcoming Grants and Funding Opportunities Update on Riverton Park United Methodist Church. Transforming Welcoming Washington: Lives updates from the DSHS Office of Refugee and Immigrant Assistance June 2024 Sarah Peterson, MSW WA State Refugee Coordinator Office Chief, WA Office of Refugee and Immigrant Assistance Washington State Department of Social and —ealth Services Washingt ss Stab Department of Social & Health Services Transforming Yves Welcoming refugees is a collective effort. WA Office of Refugee and Immigrant Assistance invests federal and state funding into local community across Washington to provide services and resources that help refugees and humanitarian immigrants achieve economic stability and supports long-term integration. Partners with more than 100 organizations: • Refugee Resettlement Agencies • Nonprofit Organizations • Ethnic Community -Based Organizations • Public Health Departments and Health Clinics • School Districts • Community Colleges • Other State Agencies • And more... sy Refugee Health & Wellness Employment & Training 9 Immigration Assistance & Naturalization Services Whole Family Programs How many people are served by ORIA's Refugee Resettlement Programs? 7,486 I 7,931 I 6,951 I 5,507 I 12,426 FFY 2018 FFY 2019 FFY 2020 FFY 2021 FFY 2022 FFY 2023 Data collected and reported through the ORR-5. Serves all federal eligible immigrants, including: • Refugees admitted under § 207 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) • People granted asylum under § 208 of the INA • Cuban and Haitian entrants • Amerasians • Certified victims of human trafficking • Special Immigrant Visa Holders from Iraq and Afghanistan • Afghan Humanitarian Parolees (See ORR Policy Letter 22-01 and 22-02) • Afghan Special Immigrant Conditional Permanent Residents • Ukrainian Humanitarian Parolees (See ORR Policy Letter 22-13) Federally Funded Refugee Services may include: • Refugee Cash Assistance • Refugee Medical Assistance • Medical Screenings • Refugee Support Services, including: • Health and Wellness • Employment & Training Services • Immigration -Related Legal Services • Whole Family Programs Pathways for New Arrivals for the U.S. Refugee Resettlement Program Refugees Humanitarian Pathways Asylum Seekers How do the arrive to the States? • Refugee Admissions Program U.S.Supporter-Based Travel Arranged by International •United Organization of Migration • applications • Approved Travel Authorization • Travel Independently • Travel independently. • May enter the United States without inspection Immigration Status • Work Authorized • Pathway to legal permanent residency and citizenship • Varied humanitarian entrants • Eligible to apply for EAD • Pathways to LPR/Citizenship vary • Ask for asylum from USCBP Case with Immigration Judge • Apply for asylum, • Apply for EAD (150 days What initial welcome services do people receive? Reception & Placement Program Welcome Corps • Not eligible for R&P resettlement services • May be eligible to receive federal refugee resettlement services based on country of origin and immigration status. Not eligible for federal refugee resettlement services Refugee Resettlement Agencies Private Sponsor Groups Eligibility for federal or state cash, food, and medical assistance vary depending on country of origin and immigration status. Federal stipend $1,325 per person Privately raised funds $2,235 per person Approved Asylum Status (Asylees) Public Benefits Eligible to receive federal cash, food, and medical assistance Eligibility for federal or state cash, food, and medical assistance vary depending on country of origin and immigration status. Eligible to receive federal cash, food, and medical assistance Federal Refugee Resettlement Services Eligible for federally funded programs and services, including Matching Grant, Preferred Communities, and ORIA-administered programs and services. Certain HPs are eligible for federally funded programs and services, including Matching Grant, Preferred Communities, and ORIA- administered programs and services. Eligible for federally funded programs and services, including Matching Grant, Preferred Communities, and ORIA-administered programs and services. 01 Definitions Asylum -Seeker: is a person who has left their county and is seeking protection from persecution, but who has not yet been recognized as a refugee. Migrant: is a person who leaves their country of origin to seek permanent or temporary residence in another country. Many new migrants and asylum seekers are entering the U.S. via the Southwest border and are being apprehended by the Department of Homeland Security. As a result, they are placed in removal proceedings with a Notice to Appear in front of an Immigrant Judge. The WA MASS Project is intended to serve migrants and asylum -seekers who are ineligible for federal refugee resettlement services. Refugee: is an individual that has fled their home country and cannot return because they have a well-founded fear of persecution due to their race, religion, national origin, membership in a social group, or political opinion. Refugees apply for and are granted a stable immigration status by the Department of Homeland Security and are admitted into the United States under that status. Other immigrations statuses qualify for federal refugee resettlement services: Asylee or someone granted asylum by the U.S. government. Certified Victim of Human Trafficking. Amerasian. Cuban -Haitian Entrant. Afghan and Iraqi Special Immigrant Visa holders (SIVs). Certain Afghan and Ukrainian humanitarian parolees These individuals do not qualify for WA MASS services. Washington State Department of Social and Health Services Washington Migrant and Asylum -Seeker Support Project Purpose: To build a statewide network of organizations to deliver a coordinated response to meet the specific and immediate needs of recently arrived migrants and asylum -seekers. Pilot Project to provide up to one year of services for eligible migrants and asylum -seekers. Service Area Number of Organizations Newcomer Navigation and Reception Hub One primary organization Migrant Housing Services • Emergency Shelters and Hotels • Transitional Housing Subsidies Multiple Organizations Immigration -Related Legal Services One lead coordinating organization Multiple organization to provide client services Culturally Responsive Case Management Services Multiple Organizations Washington State Department of Social and Health Services Newcomers I Hub IIEmergency Housing ■ DSHS -ORIA providers ■ Legal Services Healthcare services ■ Case Management Services ■ Long Term Housing Providers/Services funded by ORIA WA Migrant and Asylum -Seeker Support Project Pilot Within 24 hours Newcomer arrives to WA rJ1 State Newcommer connects w/ hub (virtually, phone, I in person) Newcomer Reception and Navigation Hub Client Intake and Triage for immediate housing support Connect divot to emergency housing Emergency Housing Organization provides immediate housing services Within 1-5 business days Immigration Legal Assistance Organization provide Ilu� regal services Public Health and FoHCs provides serving Connect and help Client comprehensive Connect and help clients dents coordinate needs assessment 1=> enroll in socialsernces medical) (sta[cash, Legal Assistance (1-5 busieness days) medlcaE) Connect dients to cJ public helath and FQHCS i Refer Clients to Case Management Organization DSHS connects client to Employment and Training (E&Tj and ESL ServiCea ORIA funded E&T and ESL contractors provide services Within two weeks up to nine months Enrollment in School (For children) Develop self sufficeincy plan (30, 60, 90 days) Case Management Organization F Coordinate ongoing health, legal, and social service needs Implement Cultural Orientation Long-term Housing and Housing Subsidy I Funding Plans and Investments • Investing more than $20,000,000 for State Fiscal Year 2025 • Funds and services are available between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025 • Geographic Prioritization: • King, Snohomish, Clark, Pierce, Yakima, Spokane, Benton -Franklin Counties Support Services Areas Proposed Percentage Number of Organizations Emergency and Transitional Housing Services 45 - 50% Multiple Direct Service Providers Newcomer Reception and Navigation Hub 20 - 23% One Primary Organization Immigration -Related Legal Services 12 — 20 % One Lead Organization Multiple Direct Service Providers Culturally Responsive Case Management Services 10 - 15% Multiple Direct Service Providers Education, Employment and Training Services 5.0% Current or Existing Providers Only Washington State Department of Social and Health Services Participant Eligibility and Prioritization Eligibility Criteria: Be a non -citizen that entered the U.S. for the first time after Jan. 1, 2022, and Do not qualify for federal refugee resettlement services and benefits, and Have been placed in removal proceedings or are at risk of deportation or removal from the U.S. because they have not been granted a permanent immigration status; and Have a household income below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines. Prioritization: • Pregnant individuals • Households with dependents under the age of 18 • Individuals with significant medical conditions. Washington State Department of Social and Health Services Initiate Specific Investments ❑ School Districts Serving Asylum -Seeking McKinney-Vento Students o $250,000 for SFY 2024 — completed competitive application Selected School Districts: Shelton School District, Tukwila School District, Wapato School District • $750,000 for SFY 2025 — NOFO — open in July — August 2024 ❑ Services for Sub -Saharan African Community o $700,000 for SFY 2025 • Open Application for organization serving this community ❑ Needs Assessment and Comprehensive Statewide Plan o Competitive Request for Procurement • $500,000 for SFY 2025 Washington State Department of Social and Health Services TAntatiwA TimAlin4 DATE lawalf March 25 — April 30, 2024 Stakeholder Listening Sessions May 23, 2024 —July 1, 2024 Competitive Procurement Process June 13, 2024 Federal DHS FEMA Shelter & Support Grant Due July 1, 2024 Funding becomes available August 1— Sept. 30, 2024 Contracts Executed Oct. 1, 2024 — Dec. 30, 2024 Contract Training and TA February — April 2025 Contract Monitoring June 30, 2025 Contracts End STATE AGENCY AMOUNT COMMERCE DSHS ORIA $5,000,000 $2,500,000 $1,000,000 $700,000 $810,000 $22,740,000 Grant to King County for costs provided to transitional and long-term housing for unsheltered and recently arrived individuals and families Grant to Tukwila for costs incurred related to unsheltered, recently arrived individuals and families. Tukwila must contract with ORIA to provide tiered support services. $250,000 in FY 2024 and $750,000 in FY 2025 provided solely for school districts that have seen a significant increase in McKinney Vento students seeking asylum with the opportunity to receive grants that provide additional education opportunities and family supports Provided solely for members of the Sub -Saharan African community Staff and Administrative costs at ORIA (2.5 FTEs) Support Services for individuals newly arriving into the U.S. and WA who do not qualify for federal refugee resettlement services. Support services include but are not limited to housing assistance, food, transportation, childhood education services, education and employment supports, connection to legal services, and social services navigation. Source: Thank you! Sarah Peterson, MSW Washington State Refugee Coordinator Office of Refugee and Immigrant Assistance Email: sarah.Peterson@dshs.wa.gov Transforming Lives Washington State Department of Social and Health Services Washington State Department of Social & Health Services Transforming lives City of Tukwila's Asylum Seeker Response Partner in statewide response Update on Riverton Park United Methodist Church. Upcoming Grants and Funding Opportunities Declaration of Emergency, October, 2023 City of Tukwila declared an emergency to respond to the growing influx of asylum seekers in the City and region. City executed a MOU with RPUMC. Ongoing effort to identify, engage, and partner with intergovernmental agencies to build strategic response to asylum seekers in WA state Riverton Park United Methodist Church Census Location White Tent Smaller Tents Indoors Tukwila Econo Lodge Total 6/26/2024 69 6 152 150 377 people Highlights I Highlights Issues and Challenges R EMMA Lack of site access control Implement recommended access control strategies (i.e. sign-in/sign-out area, increased monitoring, etc.) Continue to struggle with new households arriving at RPUMC (numbers fluctuate weekly/daily) Ongoing challenge to downsize site Continued intergovernmental engagement and partnership to create places for asylum seekers to access shelter and services No identified place in the region to divert asylum seekers in need of navigation and services Continued intergovernmental engagement and partnership to build a navigation center/hub Finding partners willing to shelter asylum seekers (cities, county and state) Struggling with rodent issue Continued intergovernmental outreach to identify partners and shelter/services opportunities Continued work with participants to not leave food sources or garbage out; increased garbage cleanup by RPUMC staff Next Steps - RPUMC 1. Compliance with MOU and fire life/safety standards 2. Continue to identify and participate in grant/funding opportunities 3. Upcoming council meeting for more detailed plan and update regarding RPUMC White tent scheduled for removal / contracted through end of August Washington State Funding Allocation FEMA Grant South King County Homelessness Grant Status: Secured, still need a contract with Department of Commerce. Total Funds: $2,500,000 Reimbursement for Past Expenses: No Focus: Asylees Competitive grant, still waiting for response from FEMA. Washington DSHA is the lead. TBD Maybe Still working on the final scope of the award. $2,000,000 No. Asylees General Homelessness. Total and Projected Costs Object Consulting Contracts Salaries/Benefits Ill' Supplies Subtotal Encumbered Grand Total 2023 $ 2024 $ Total % 88,864 138,016 226,881 45% 18,734 127,156 145,889 29% 55,494 53,862 109,356 22% 0 14,476 14,476 3% 0 2,533 2,533 1% 163,092 336,043 499,135 100% 391,266 890,401 Grants Funding -Washington State Funding Allocation ($2,500,000) ❑$500,000 for direct costs incurred by the City AFTER July 1, 2024. Could include the tents, 1-2 strategies, etc. ❑$2,000,000 for housing of asylees, costs need to be incurred after July 1, 2024. FEMA Grant (unknown amount). ❑In partnership with Washington DSHS, could include reimbursement of the City's costs incurred from October, 2023 onwards. South King County Homelessness Grant ($2,000,000) Focused on general homelessness response, not just asylum seekers. Washington State Funding Allocation Secured, still need a contract with Department of Commerce. Total Funds: Reimbursement for Past Expenses: Focus: $2,500,000 No Asylees FEMA Grant Competitive grant, still waiting for response from FEMA. Washington DSHA is the lead. TBD Maybe Asylees South King County Homelessness Grant Still working on the final scope of the award. $2,000,000 No. General Homelessness. Washington State Funding Allocation -Washington State Funding Allocation ($2,500,000) ❑Joint procurement process with King County. King County would be the lead in securing a housing provider. The City's funds would be used for Tukwila asylum seekers. Allows the funding to be deployed quickly and to respond to the acute situation in the City. FEMA Grant ■FEMA Grant (TBD) ❑If we receive this grant, we will use these funds to recoup the City's past cost (if allowed) and for reimbursement of the City's ongoing costs. This would the $500,000 from the State allocation for City direct cost to be used for other purposes. ❑Funds for housing vouchers. ❑Food Services ❑Tent and 1-2 strategies. South King County Homelessness Grant ca im Emergency Motel/Hotel Vouchers Tent Rental and Operations Tiny Home Installation Gregor House Remodel Gregor House, Operations Purchase of motel/hotel or third party funding. Costs $252,000 $99,9000 $500,000 $150,000 $48,000 $1,000,000 This would be overlap between the State and FEMA grant. If we use those grants for the reimbursement, we would reposition these funds. Location TBD. City owned house that is used for transition housing. Building needs significant upgrades. City will use the funds to remodel the house and transition it to shelter, operated by a third party. Upcoming Will bring to the City Council contract with the State and King County for funding award, including updated scope. Will provide a more in-depth informational update regarding RPUMC activities, etc. and seek Council direction on next steps.