Explanation
BACKGROUND: This legislation authorizes the Director of the Department Development to enter a grant agreement with the Community Refugee and Immigration Services, Inc., CRIS, in an amount up to $125,000.00 to assist with work permits, employment, and long-term housing for the residents of the Colonial Village apartment complex, and to authorize expenditures beginning May 1, 2024. Funding will be advanced to the organization on a predetermined schedule.
Throughout December 2023 and January 2024 approximately 1,300 tenants were relocated to temporary housing due to unsafe and unhealthy conditions at the Colonial Village Apartment complex. The City of Columbus began providing temporary housing support to the families who were vacated from Colonial Village in November of 2023. Many of those families are still utilizing this option because they are not able to legally work in the United States until they have applied for and received a work permit. This funding will allow CRIS to work with families to apply for permits. With a work permit, families can access employment and identify a long term stable housing option.
Community Refugee and Immigration Services, Inc., CRIS, operates to help refugees and immigrants reach safety and stability, sustain self-sufficiency, and achieve successful integration into the Central Ohio community.
FISCAL IMPACT: Funding of $125,000.00 is available within the General Fund, Neighborhood Initiatives Subfund.
CONTRACT COMPLIANCE: The vendor number is 005773 and expires on 10/07/24.
EMERGENCY DESIGNATION: To assist families who are currently in transitional housing navigate the process to secure work permits in order gain employment, access housing and exit the shelter system.
Title
To authorize the Director of the Department of Development to enter into a grant agreement with Community Refugee and Immigration Services, Inc. in an amount up to $125,000.00 to assist with work permits, employment, and long-term...
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