Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Immigrant Assistance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Anaheim staff: Contigo emergency grants helped 331 families; council asked to consider replenishment and legal defense fund
Summary
City staff told council the Contigo program (launched June 2025) has assisted 331 Anaheim families with emergency grants totaling about $213,000; councilmembers asked staff to bring replenishment options and explore adding a legal‑defense component for residents impacted by immigration enforcement.
City staff reported to the Anaheim City Council that Contigo — the city's immigrant‑assistance program launched June 17, 2025 — has provided timely updates, referrals and emergency grants to residents affected by federal immigration enforcement. Joe Perez (neighborhood services) said the program has assisted 331 families and distributed about $213,000 in grants to creditors; the original council authorization of $250,000 (approved July 2025) leaves an approximate remaining balance of $36,000, which staff estimated could be exhausted in two to three months at current demand.
Staff described three program components: 24/7 timely incident updates, community resources and education, and one‑time emergency grants (up to $1,000 for rent, up to $500 for other household expenses). Staff noted rental assistance has been the highest demand and that short‑term assistance provides only temporary relief; legal expenses currently cannot be paid from Contigo grants, though staff identified vetted referral partners (Public Law Center, Orange County Justice Fund, UCI Law clinic and consulate services).
Several councilmembers expressed support for replenishing the fund and asked staff to return with options. Mayor Pro Tem Leon and others urged exploring a legal‑defense fund component and asked staff to gather proposals from nonprofit partners, document capacity constraints and consider philanthropic or county funding partnerships. Staff recommended bringing a fully noticed agenda item for council consideration to comply with the Brown Act before an allocation vote.
No council vote was taken that night to replenish Contigo funds; councilmembers asked staff to prepare proposals and a replenishment request for a future meeting or agenda setting.
