King County will invest $900,000 in a new fund to support immigrant and refugee communities in South King County affected by federal immigration enforcement activities, county officials announced.
The South King County Immigrant and Refugee Futures Fund will provide money to organizational networks serving community members with urgent needs, according to King County Executive Girmay Zahilay. The fund will support basic needs, rapid response training for families, safety education, mental health programs, community care and healing.
“King County is stronger when every resident, regardless of their immigration status, feels safe, welcomed, and has the support they need to thrive,” Zahilay said.
The investment is focused on South King County, where immigrant and refugee residents may be connected to support through local organizations.
The new funding builds on $2 million in emergency funds announced in February as part of Zahilay’s Protecting Immigrant and Refugee Communities executive order, according to the county. That earlier funding was distributed to community based organizations for housing stabilization, legal aid and food assistance for immigrant and refugee residents countywide.
“Families across South King County should know where they can turn for reliable help when they need it,” King County Councilmember Steffanie Fain said. “This partnership will provide additional resources to trusted community organizations that are already helping immigrant and refugee families meet basic needs, plan for their safety, and access mental health and other support.”
Two Best Starts for Kids initiatives based in Public Health, Seattle and King County will lead the county partnership: Communities of Opportunity and the Community Well Being Initiative. They will partner with the Renton Regional Community Foundation and the Sheng Yen Lu Foundation.
The Renton Regional Community Foundation will provide a minimum match of $250,000 to the county’s contribution, according to King County. The fund is expected to run through 2027.
LeAnne Moss, executive director of the Renton Regional Community Foundation, said the fund is intended to move resources quickly to trusted frontline organizations.
“This partnership will enable rapid and long term, community informed action with immediate impact,” Moss said. “We invite other philanthropic organizations to join the fund’s effort.”
King County said many South King County communities are experiencing stress and mental health and wellbeing challenges. As part of the partnership, the Community Well Being Initiative will support mental health resources directed to challenges faced by immigrants, refugees and others, including LGBTQ+ communities.
“Our immigrant and refugee communities are experiencing a broad set of challenges right now,” said Dr. Sandra Valenciano, director and health officer for Public Health, Seattle and King County. “We are stepping up to support their health and well being, including mental health and basic needs.”
The Renton Regional Community Foundation will lead implementation of the fund with the Sheng Yen Lu Foundation and other philanthropic organizations and individuals, according to the county. Funds will be allocated to South King County organizations working closely with affected communities, with additional details on funding processes and focus areas still being developed with community partners.
