DENVER, CO – A new law, effective August 7, will provide funding to community-based organizations that offer essential services to new immigrants.
“Diversity strengthens our Colorado communities. We need to ensure new immigrants succeed so they can create better and safer lives for themselves and their families,” said Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs. “By enhancing Colorado’s community-based resources, new immigrants will have a better chance of thriving, just like previous generations of immigrants.”
“Colorado’s immigrant communities make our state stronger,” added Senator Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora. “With the recent increase in new immigrants, community organizations and local governments are struggling to meet the high demand for services. Increasing access to resources like employment and housing services will help new immigrants build successful lives in Colorado.”
“Colorado has seen a significant rise in new immigrants, and counties and organizations are struggling to meet the demand for essential services and resources,” noted Rep. Lorena Garcia, D-Unincorporated Adams County. “Resources like housing referrals, employment assistance, and school enrollment support have a significant impact on new residents achieving stability. With our new law, we can better support the good work that community organizations are already doing to aid new immigrants as they transition to life in Colorado.”
“Colorado has recently experienced an influx of new immigrants, who often arrive with very little and no knowledge or connections to help them integrate,” stated Senator Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County. “This critical law will better resource existing community-based organizations so they can support new immigrants and provide them with the tools they need to thrive in Colorado.”
HB24-1280 establishes the Statewide Welcome, Reception, and Integration Grant Program to fund community-based organizations that assist new immigrants during their first year in the United States. Grant money can be used for:
- Conducting intake and assessment of needs
- Providing cultural orientation and case management
- Offering services or referrals for employment, immigration legal assistance, housing-related services, transportation, financial orientation, mental and physical health services, interpretation and translation services, and English as a second language courses
- Distributing emergency and transitional supplies
- Helping new immigrant parents enroll their children in public schools or summer programs