Resident urges Tumwater to fund World Relief services after federal aid cuts; city administrator to report back

Lisa Johnson, a volunteer with Olympia Indivisible speaking on behalf of World Relief Thurston County, asked the Tumwater City Council to consider a city donation to support refugee resettlement services after federal funding was cut.

Johnson said the local office helped welcome 184 refugees to Thurston County since April 2023 and that, as of late January of this year, federal funds for new arrivals and some services for people already in the U.S. were eliminated. She asked the council to consider emergency local support, noting the City of Olympia had already provided emergency funds.

"Without immediate local support, new refugees may lose access to vital services that help them establish stability in our community," Johnson said.

Why this matters Refugee resettlement services include housing, employment support, language services and other assistance that can be time-sensitive. Johnson told the council the funding gap threatens those services for newly arrived families and requested Tumwater consider a donation similar to Olympia's emergency funding.

What happened at the meeting Johnson stated her address and affiliation and described work supporting a family of nine from Somalia. She asked the council to "make a donation to World Relief" and said supporting refugees aligns with Tumwater's commitments to inclusion and equity.

Council follow-up Council member Delhoff asked for an update and for staff to gather options; the city administrator said staff would work with Kelly Adams (staff contact) and report back in the coming weeks. Council member Delhoff also suggested the council consider a motion to provide monetary support from the general fund and asked that staff present possible paths, including referral to the annual human-services application process.

No vote or appropriation At this meeting the council did not vote or appropriate funds; staff were directed to gather information and report back to the council with options for possible future action.

Clarifying details cited to council - Since April 2023, World Relief Thurston County has welcomed 184 refugees to Thurston County (source: Lisa Johnson). - Johnson said federal funding for bringing newly arrived refugees and some supportive services was rescinded "as of late January"; she said World Relief local operations have had to rely on donations.

Next steps City staff (Kelly Adams and the city administrator's office) will compile information about options for local funding, referral services, and nonmonetary supports and return to the council with recommendations and possible motions for funding at a future meeting.