SPOKANE, Wash. – Mayor Lisa Brown and the Spokane City Council are proposing $100,000 in emergency financial assistance for families affected by civil immigration enforcement. This funding aims to provide critical support during times of crisis.
If approved by the City Council, the funds will be directed to the Spokane Immigrant Rights Coalition’s Community Justice Fund. This initiative supports families with housing, healthcare, groceries and transportation.
Mayor Lisa Brown emphasized the importance of this proposal. “Over the past several months, members of my Administration and I have had the opportunity to sit down with local immigrant and refugee residents to hear their stories: their fears, their hopes and the very real challenges they are facing,” she said.
Margot Mejia, with Refugee & Immigrant Connections Spokane, expressed gratitude for the proposed funding. “The City of Spokane’s $100,000 investment in the Community Justice Fund would strengthen immigrant families’ ability to remain housed, access timely emergency care and navigate moments of challenge with dignity and security,” Mejia said.
Council President Betsy Wilkerson highlighted the city’s commitment to unity. “Supporting our immigrant community isn’t just about providing emergency help; it’s about standing united during difficult times,” Wilkerson said.
Jerrall Haynes, Director of the Office of Civil Rights, Equity and Inclusion, stressed the broader impact of immigration enforcement. “When immigration enforcement removes a wage earner or caregiver from a household, it does not just impact one person. It can destabilize an entire family or community,” Haynes said.
For more information and resources for local immigrant and refugee residents, visit the City of Spokane’s website.
