ORDINANCE NO. 250228
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Sponsor: Councilmember Wes Rogers
Authorizing the Director of Neighborhood Services to expend $487,600.00 from the Refugee and Immigrant Services Account in the General Fund pursuant to contracts with Della Lamb Community Services and Jewish Vocational Service of Kansas City to provide emergency housing assistance and case management services.
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WHEREAS, Della Lamb Community Services (Della Lamb) and Jewish Vocational Service (JVS) provide critical support to individuals and families who have been displaced from their home countries due to persecution, conflict, or other extraordinary circumstances, assisting them in rebuilding their lives in Kansas City; and
WHEREAS, those served by these programs arrive in the United States after undergoing extensive security and medical screenings, with authorization to work immediately, eligibility for legal permanent residency after one year, and the ability to apply for citizenship after five years; and
WHEREAS, Della Lamb, founded in 1897, has a long-standing mission of welcoming and supporting newcomers to Kansas City, helping individuals and families secure housing, employment, and access to essential services; and
WHEREAS, JVS, founded in 1949 to support Holocaust survivors, has expanded its services to welcome people from diverse backgrounds, offering a comprehensive system of support in community integration, workforce development, and health and wellness; and
WHEREAS, Della Lamb and JVS are currently serving 309 individuals who recently arrived in Kansas City and are in critical need of housing assistance, access to healthcare, education, and job placement services; and
WHEREAS, the funding model for these programs relies on per capita reimbursements, and both organizations are facing a financial gap that threatens their ability to provide essential services to individuals who are working to establish stability in Kansas City; and
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