Explanation
BACKGROUND: The purpose of this legislation is to provide financial support to three community resettlement agencies for outreach and support regarding food and housing insecurity. Funds are intended for programming that will occur during the 2026 calendar year. Community Refugee and Immigration Services, Inc. (CRIS), Jewish Family Service, and Ethiopian Tewahedo Social Services will use this assistance to address food and housing insecurity in light of recent cuts to SNAP for CRIS clients in need of assistance. While some refugees received SNAP funds in November, most will likely see the cuts in December and beyond. Each organization will receive $67,000 to provide services for housing and insecurity due to the recent changes impacting the SNAP program and the refugee populations each organization serves.
The mission of CRIS is to help refugees and immigrants reach safety and stability, sustain self-sufficiency, and achieve successful integration into the Central Ohio community.
Jewish Family Service's mission is to helps individuals and families achieve economic self-sufficiency and emotional stability.
The mission of Ethiopian Tewahedo Social Services is to be the focal point of societal integration for immigrants, refugees, and low-income individuals to help improve the quality of life through education, training, supportive services, and self-development opportunities while increasing awareness of the diverse cultures and heritage.
Grant funding for the programming may include the purchase of food and/or non-alcoholic beverage items, which serve the public for the purpose of administering programming. Food and/or non-alcoholic beverage purchases will be subject to what is allowable in the grant agreement. Any cost of food and/or non-alcoholic beverage incurred before the effective date of the ordinance will not be reimbursed. Costs will not exceed $15 per person and any purchase of alcohol is strictly prohibited.
FISCAL IMPACT: Funds are ava...
Click here for full text