JFS of Washtenaw responds to federal policy changes: We will not abandon refugees

Recent federal policy changes have abruptly suspended key refugee resettlement programs, cutting off nearly $4.7 million in federal funding designated to Jewish Family Services of Washtenaw County for initial resettlement. A significant portion of this funding was intended for direct assistance and payments on behalf of refugees and Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holders — individuals who worked for the U.S. military in war-torn regions like Afghanistan and Iraq and were promised safety in return for their service.

Effective immediately, federally funded resettlement services have been halted until further notice, leaving countless individuals and families in an uncertain and precarious situation. As of writing this message (February 10, 2025), the funding freeze has not been lifted and remains in effect, leaving refugees, SIV holders, and the agencies that support them in a state of uncertainty, unable to provide the essential services needed for successful resettlement and long-term stability.

What this means for JFS and our clients

For decades, JFS has been a trusted provider of refugee resettlement services, ensuring that newcomers have the foundation they need to build safe, stable, and fulfilling lives in our community. This sudden and devastating suspension threatens everything we have worked so hard to build.

Refugees and SIV holders who have already arrived may now be left without critical support. Housing, employment, and basic needs assistance are all at risk, placing these individuals — many of whom sacrificed for the U.S. military — in dire situations.

Our dedicated staff, who have committed their lives to welcoming and assisting refugees, face immense uncertainty about how to continue this vital work with no federal support. Unfortunately, due to the loss of funding, JFS has been forced to lay off valued team members in the affected programs, further straining our ability to provide critical services to those in need.

The core of our resettlement efforts is in jeopardy. JFS is prohibited from incurring new costs, and there is no guarantee of reimbursement for any services we continue to provide.

JFS will not abandon the refugees in our care

Despite these unprecedented challenges, Jewish Family Services will not turn its back on the refugees we have committed to resettling.

Our Board of Directors has made the firm decision to uphold our contractual and ethical obligations to those who have arrived in recent months. These vulnerable individuals and families are already here, and they need us now more than ever.

Using all available resources, we will ensure that our newest arrivals have access to safe housing, food, and essential support services. We refuse to leave them alone to navigate this crisis without guidance and care.

At the same time, we will continue to advocate — both for those already in our community and for the thousands of refugees and SIV holders who were approved for travel but are now stranded abroad, uncertain if they will ever reach the safety they were promised.

Beyond the first 90 days: The critical need for continued support

While we await further clarification on how funding for post-resettlement services will be affected, our immediate goal is to ensure that the most recent arrivals — who are now at their most vulnerable — are not left without essential support.

Resettlement is not a 90-day process. Most refugees require significantly more time and assistance to fully integrate into their new communities. The over 1,600 refugees resettled by JFS in recent years — many of whom remain in our care — are now at risk due to potential policy changes and additional funding freezes.

Refugees arrive not only with the need for housing, employment, and financial stability, but also carrying profound trauma and unimaginable losses. Many have endured war, persecution, displacement, and the heartbreak of leaving behind loved ones. Their challenges do not end upon arrival — they need long-term support for:

Mental health and trauma recovery: Many refugees face PTSD, anxiety, and depression as they process their experiences and adjust to a completely new environment.

Medical care: Refugees often require ongoing medical treatment, including for conditions worsened by years in conflict zones or refugee camps.

Employment assistance and job training: Finding stable employment that matches a refugee’s skills and qualifications can take months or even years.

Language and cultural integration: Learning English, navigating healthcare, and understanding legal and financial systems are significant hurdles that require extended support.

Without adequate funding, the very programs designed to help refugees overcome trauma and rebuild their lives are now in jeopardy.

How You Can Help

JFS is committed to standing by our refugee clients, but we cannot do this alone. Without immediate community support, we will be unable to sustain the critical services that uphold the dignity, security, and well-being of the refugees and SIV holders who rely on us.

Advocate: Contact your elected officials and demand the restoration of funding for refugee resettlement and post-resettlement support. The government must honor its commitments, especially to those who risked their lives working alongside U.S. forces.

Donate: With federal funding now frozen, we urgently need emergency funds to continue providing housing assistance, job placement, trauma-informed case management, and mental health services. Every dollar makes a difference.

Spread the word: Share this message with your networks to raise awareness and mobilize community support.

Volunteer: With our resources stretched thin, we need volunteers more than ever across all our programs, including resettlement, employment assistance, nutrition services, and support for older adults.

Now is the time to act

This is a defining moment for JFS and for our community. Together, we must ensure that JFS remains a place of refuge and hope, providing stability and care to those seeking safety and a new beginning. The road ahead is uncertain, but with your support, we can continue to serve the individuals and families who need us most.

At this point, we urgently need to raise significant funds to bridge the gap and sustain uninterrupted safety net services for refugees, SIV holders, and other vulnerable community members.

To donate today, please visit www.jfsannarbor.org. For questions or more information, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Thank you for standing with us in this critical time.