King County is putting $900,000 into a new public-private partnership aimed at supporting the health and well-being of immigrant and refugee communities in Sout
King County is putting $900,000 into a new public-private partnership aimed at supporting the health and well-being of immigrant and refugee communities in South King County who have been impacted by federal immigration enforcement activities.
Executive Girmay Zahilay announced the investment on Tuesday, describing it as part of the new South King County Immigrant and Refugee Futures Fund, or SIRFF. The partnership is designed to provide funding to organizational networks to address urgent needs for community members affected by federal actions.
According to the county, areas of support include basic needs assistance, rapid response training for families, safety education, and programs focused on mental health, 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. “I’ve heard directly from immigrant and refugee residents about how the fear of federal immigration enforcement is taking a toll on their health and wellbeing, especially for communities in South King County. That’s why we are advancing this public-private partnership with trusted community organizations to connect people with the resources, services, and support they need. By investing in this partnership, we’re helping build a stronger, healthier, and more resilient King County for everyone.”
The $900,000 investment builds on $2 million in emergency funds announced as part of Zahilay’s Protecting Immigrant and Refugee Communities Executive Order signed in February. The county said that earlier funding was distributed to community-based organizations to support housing stabilization, legal aid and food assistance for immigrant and refugee residents throughout King County.
King County Councilmember Steffanie Fain said the new partnership is intended to help families identify reliable support. “Families across South King County should know where they can turn for reliable help when they need it,” 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. I appreciate Executive Zahilay and our philanthropic and community partners for directing these resources where they’re needed most.”
Two Best Starts for Kids initiatives based in Public Health – Seattle & King County will lead the county’s role in the partnership: Communities of Opportunity and the Community Well-Being Initiative. They are partnering with the Renton Regional Community Foundation and the Sheng-Yen Lu Foundation to invest in immigrant and refugee communities in South King County.
The Renton Regional Community Foundation will provide a minimum match of $250,000 to the county’s contribution, and the fund will run through 2027.
Public Health – Seattle & King County said many South King County communities are experiencing deep stress and mental health and well-being 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.
The Renton Regional Community Foundation will lead implementation of the fund in collaboration with the Sheng-Yen Lu Foundation and other philanthropic organizations and individuals. The county said funds will be allocated to South King County organizations that work closely with impacted communities, with additional details on funding processes and focus areas to be developed with community partners. Additional partners are being invited to support the fund.
