The Olympia City Council voted unanimously to provide $30,000 in emergency support to World Relief, as a means of helping immigrant and refugee families in the city to maintain critical resettlement services after unexpected federal funding cuts.
The referral, introduced by Councilman Clark Gilman on Tuesday, March 4, seeks to ensure vulnerable newcomers can continue receiving essential assistance in establishing their lives in Thurston County.
According to the referral, which was also supported by council members Kelly Green and Jim Cooper, the federal funding cuts resulted in almost 40 recent refugees in Olympia losing access to money and support the federal government promised to help them get settled and acclimated to their new home.
The World Relief of Western Washington, a nonprofit organization and licensed refugee resettlement organization in Thurston County, is supporting these new refugees and immigrants without the expectation of reimbursement from the federal government.
"They are helping people find stable housing and a job, receiving orientation to a new culture and language, and helping their children (enroll) in school. Like many nonprofits, World Relief's critical work and its funding were supported by the federal government, and then on Jan. 22, that was stopped," said Gilman, who was referring to the Trump administration's restriction of federal funds.
The referral stated the funding cuts threaten the organization's ability to continue providing services to refugees or immigrants.
In addition to the proposal to allocate $30,000 from Council Goal Funds to World Relief, the referral also requested the council to formally urge Tumwater, Lacey and Thurston County to consider similar funding commitments to ensure a coordinated regional response.
While $30,000 might seem like a small amount, City Manager Jay Burney emphasized that it is significant to the individuals receiving support and can help World Relief leverage additional resources by demonstrating Olympia's commitment to helping refugee families.
"We are following up the words that we profess with action. Although it seems small, it is a big deal, because we are a city of action. We do what we say," Mayor Dontae Payne said.
Payne recognized that immigration and refugee resettlement can be a political and polarizing conversation, but he emphasized that they are helping people who are in Olympia legally.
"This is about making sure that we put their humanity first, and do what we can to assist them," Payne said.
The mayor hoped that the neighboring jurisdictions could join Olympia in this effort.
"I know we are all in different budget situations, but I'm hoping that they can contribute something to it because this is an example of when the federal government does not do its job, cities then have to come in and step up to the plate and do what they should be doing," he said.
Councilman Robert Vanderpool also encouraged private individuals to support this effort.
"We have to step up in situations in which sometimes the bottom falls out because the state or the federal government is unable or refusing to …using policies that are anti-people in a lot of ways. We have a responsibility to be there when those crises happen," he said.
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Southsoundguy
Just light the money on fire in a big pile.
Wednesday, March 5 Report this
hptrillium
Thanks to Olympia for supporting immigrants. They are an important part of our country. Everyone’s ancestors were immigrants. They are facing a very scary time now and they need our support in many ways.
Thursday, March 6 Report this
Southsoundguy
Hptrillium, no, they are wasting money on people coming here for handouts. They aren’t part of our culture, they don’t fit in, they ghettoize and cause problems. These aren’t the Europeans who settled this land, or the European immigrants that followed. The naive belief that we can continue taking in all these people without consequence is precisely why Trump was elected. Send them back and worry about improving our own situation.
Thursday, March 6 Report this
ViaLocal
Southsoundguy, no, if anyone ghettoized or caused problems it was Europeans who came over and massacred people in the name of "Manifest Destiny".
Just like a Trump supporter to fully back white settlers and all the horrible things they did, and even think "white" South Africans are more than okay to come here because white settlers never cause problems, HA!
Anyone smart knows that strength is found through diversity. And a big reason why people want to move here is because we went to their country and pillaged their resources. Immigration from Mexico really increased after we talked them into signing NAFTA, which bankrupted many of their farmers. Ignorance of basic facts is what truly put trump into office.
Thursday, March 6 Report this
Obaet76
Thank you, Olympia, for being a vital bridge in closing the gap. Your dedication, support, and hard work have made a meaningful impact, and the community is stronger and better because of you. We truly appreciate all that you do!
Thursday, March 6 Report this
burkemeister
ViaLocal, do you honestly believe that all 77 million people who voted for Trump are ignorant? Or are you just repeating the same rhetoric you've been fed without questioning it yourself?
These concerns aren’t about fear of immigrants, as some might suggest, nor do they come from a lack of empathy for those fleeing hardship. Instead, they reflect a need to balance compassion with practical policies that protect both those seeking a better life and the well-being of communities affected by these policies.
This risks presenting a view that, while well-intentioned, may not take into account the full picture—including the effects that unchecked immigration has on citizens and legal immigrants.
A few key points to consider:
Respect for Law and Order – Nations have the right and responsibility to enforce immigration laws to maintain security, economic stability, and public order. Reasonable enforcement doesn’t mean a lack of compassion but rather a way to ensure fairness and safety for everyone.
Balancing Rights and Responsibilities – While people in difficult situations deserve help, immigration policies must also consider a country’s ability to manage resources and maintain order. A fair system should allow for legal immigration while respecting existing laws.
Helping the Vulnerable Without Encouraging Harm – It’s important to support those in need, but policies that allow unchecked migration can lead to unintended consequences, including exploitation, dangerous journeys, and overwhelmed public services. A humane approach should focus on legal pathways and safe, sustainable solutions.
The Need for Comprehensive Reform – The flaws in the current immigration system are real, and solutions should include both expanded legal immigration opportunities and strong enforcement of laws. A balanced approach is the best way to uphold fairness and dignity for everyone involved.
Thursday, March 6 Report this
PamelaJHanson
The money should go to the food banks. With billions to cut in state government, and with revenue deficits in the future, there are going to be Washingtonian families in need of basic food. Olympia expects Tumwater to follow their immigration donation trend, no matter their paperwork status? It is wrong to put migrants before our people, our state employees, our city employees, our private industry people, our people that did not cross the border illegally. Why does Olympia feel the need to fulfill a one world type of philanthropic goal to help a few when we need to help many? That money should have gone to the food banks.
Thursday, March 6 Report this
Southsoundguy
Vialocal, all libs ever had was name calling and the threat of social blowback. You don’t have that anymore. Liberalism is an empty, self-terminating ideology. The whole diversity makes a strong society myth is dead, because it lacked any grounding in reality. Have fun going down with the ship.
Thursday, March 6 Report this