~ by Peggy Kaufmann

You may have seen a recent article in the Times Union stating that the US State Department suspended programs under its Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration. This cut off funding for organizations like USCRI and RISSE in Albany, whose purpose is to help refugees resettle here. There are 146 refugees who recently arrived in the Albany area, who now have no assistance.  USCRI staff, whose job it is to help them get settled, have been let go. Funding to sustain our new neighbors in their first months in this country has stopped. Refugees aren’t eligible to work right away, so this is vital funding for their first several months here. Immediate assistance is needed to pay rent, buy food and basic necessities.

The following information comes from Sara Weinman at USCRI:

At present, financial donations to USCRI Albany cannot directly reach these affected families. To provide immediate relief to the 48 families (146 individuals) still within the Resettlement and Placement program, we are urgently seeking donations of gift cards (VISA, Walmart, Hannaford, Price Chopper etc.), which will be distributed to those in greatest need.

We are also starting an Essential Supply Drive:

Starting immediately, we are launching a drive to provide essential hygiene, cleaning supplies, and food to these families. Items can be purchased via our amazon wish list:  https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/QJ5MXM0BTCZ2/ref=nav_wishlist_lists_1

This is truly an emergency, one our Unity of Albany community can respond to in support of our new neighbors. Please give what you can, if you can. Thank you!

Peggy will collect donated gift cards (from grocery stores especially) for the 48 families here in Albany. You can contact her at <pegml619[at]gmail.com> for more information, or drop off donations at Unity during office hours.