News Release from Oregon Department of Human Services
August 4th, 2022 10:25 AM

(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Refugee Program is inviting community partners to apply for a portion of $2.8 million in funding that is available to provide services and support to newly arrived Afghans who are eligible for refugee services.

The deadline to apply is Aug. 25 and the application can be found online.

The U.S. Resettlement Program is operated by the U.S. Department of State through contracts with national non-profit organizations called resettlement agencies. These organizations have local affiliate offices throughout the nation. 

The ODHS Refugee Program is responsible for some of the services that are outside of the initial resettlement provided by the resettlement agencies.  The Refugee Program provides cash, medical, employment, and acculturation services to refugees (and those eligible for refugee services) who are within 60 months of gaining their eligible immigration status.

Since August 2021, nearly 800 Afghan individuals have resettled in Oregon. 

The purpose of this request is to ask for applications from culturally and/or linguistically responsive organizations who provide services to immigrants or refugees (and those eligible for refugee services) to increase services and supports. 

Funding is available to support:

• Employment services and housing assistance: $1,059,000

• Health and mental health services: $435,000

• Legal services: $641,000

• Youth mentoring: $114,000

• School assistance: $450,000

• Senior services: $105,000

Organizations may express interest in supporting more than one service area. Community organizations are eligible to submit proposals for the funding if the organization can demonstrate they are:

• A culturally and/or linguistically responsive organization

• Community based organization

• Have an office located in the area where services will be coordinated and provided

• Provide services in the languages of the populations that will be served

More information the ODHS Refugee Program can be found online. 

About the Oregon Department of Human Services

The mission of the Oregon Department of Human Services is to help Oregonians in their own communities achieve wellbeing and independence through opportunities that protect, empower, respect choice and preserve dignity. 

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Contact Info:
Jake Sunderland, Jake.Sunderland@dhsoha.state.or.us