Future of IRIS Post-Federal Funding
IRIS Spring 2025 Newsletter
Dear Friends,
It has been over four months since the indefinite refugee ban was put in place by the new administration and IRIS's entire contracted budget was eliminated. Tens of thousands of refugees who went through years of processing and screening have been stranded, many of them without any formal update on their cases since the ban went into place.
The U.S., once a beacon of hope around the world, is now sending migrants back to the dangers they fled. IRIS is taking a moral stand with the National Episcopal Church in resistance of the federal administration's unjust resettlement changes. This has, however, cost us the financial stability of federal contracts.
IRIS remains resolved in 'welcoming the stranger' and helping those in need. When justice depends on income, it isn’t justice for all. Our staff has been reduced, resources are being depleted, but our doors remain open thanks to the IRIS Emergency Fund. As long as we are here, we will continue to stand together to uplift those in need. Now more than ever, people need us to provide legal and social services. It is taking time to establish new funding and for a lot of newcomers and immigrants, time is one thing they don't have.
Our clients need basic necessities, rent money, and community support. Our legal staff must stay vigilant on every step of the immigration process or clients will risk detention and deportation. Our case managers are finding ways to support clients through workshops and access to social services.
To better understand how vital these services are, a former client shared his journey from aging out of foster care to finding stability with support from IRIS. Approximately 50% of the unhoused population in the U.S. have been in foster care at some point in their lives. Ibrahim's journey is one of courage.
Through it all we continue to prepare to celebrate World Refugee Day and the courage, strength, and determination of all people who have been forced to leave their homelands. We invite you to join us on Friday, June 20th from 2:30 - 5:30pm at St. Paul's Commons in Echo Park for an afternoon of resources, workshops, children activities, and live entertainment. If you would like to help, IRIS needs donations of gifts cards, essential items, giveaways, and gift bags. You can learn more on our website or even order items directly off of our Wish List.
Together, we can make a difference!
In gratitude,
Hilda Sarkisians, Operations Director
IRIS hosts World Refugee Day 2025
IRIS Client Story: Ibrahim's Journey
IBRAHIM's JOURNEY has been one of profound resilience and courage. A Black migrant from an impoverished community in West Africa, he faced unimaginable challenges even before reaching the United States. Abandoned and neglected by those who were supposed to protect him, Ibrahim was placed in foster care to escape a cycle of abuse and instability. After aging out of foster care, he found himself at risk of homelessness, with limited options and no family support to rely on.
IRIS has been a lifeline for Ibrahim during this critical period of his life. Upon leaving foster care, he moved into a shelter, and thanks to IRIS, his rent was covered which spared him the fear of living on the streets. This financial assistance has been a lifeline, enabling Ibrahim to concentrate on his studies and build a brighter future, free from the daily worry of financial insecurity.
With an IRIS case manager's guidance, Ibrahim gained access to essential resources, including CalFresh, Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA), and Medi-Cal. These services are not just financial lifelines; they provide Ibrahim with the stability and support he needs to stay healthy and succeed. IRIS has also been instrumental in helping him navigate the healthcare system, ensuring he receives the care he deserves.
Ibrahim’s story highlights the life-changing impact of IRIS's social services program. Through this vital support, we are not only preventing homelessness but also empowering young migrants like Ibrahim to overcome adversity and realize their potential.