$2 million in NY state funding will help Afghan evacuees resettle in New York (for a total of 5 million)
On Tuesday, New York State Governor Kathy Hochul announced $2 million in additional state funding will be provided to help Afghan evacuees acclimate to life in New York.
This is the first gubernatorial commitment of such funds in the state and brings the state’s total commitment to $5 million.
“For generations, immigrants have come to New York and the U.S. seeking freedom and opportunity – their contributions defining and strengthening the fabric of our state and nation,” said Gov. Hochul. “With Afghan evacuees fleeing widespread instability in their own country, New York State is proud to take a leading role in the massive resettlement effort, and with this historic, first-of-its-kind investment, we will connect people with the support they need to flourish in their new home.”
According to the governor, the funds will be administered through the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance’s (OTDA) New York State Enhanced Services to Refugees Program (NYSESRP).
The funds will be distributed to over a dozen nonprofit partners across the state that are providing intensive assistance to 1,790 Afghan evacuees that have continued to arrive in the state since September.
According to Gov. Hochul, about 420 evacuees are scheduled to arrive in Syracuse, 495 in Buffalo, 250 in Albany, 275 in Rochester, and 50 in Utica.
The New York State Legislature has secured $3 million in funding for NYSERP in the 2020 budget. Gov. Hochul committed another $2 million so existing services can be supplemented and allow for more intensive acculturation services for an extended period of time to address the immediate and long-term needs of evacuees.
The enhanced services supported with the additional funding will include:
Cultural orientations to help individuals and families acclimate to life in New York
Additional support and access to mental health services to address recent trauma
English language classes
Access to job training and placement services
Case management to ensure children are enrolled in school and have access to services to promote academic success
Help to obtain benefits and drivers licenses
Services to ensure individuals and families can attain economic independence
NYSERP contracts with nonprofit partners across the state and funds local refugee resettlement agencies which work with individuals and families to help them reach self-sufficiency and integrate into the community.
The funding provided by the governor build on existing state efforts to directly support and house Afghan refugees.
https://cnycentral.com/news/local/2-million-in-state-funding-will-help-afghan-evacuees-resettle-in-new-york
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