URA, Allegheny County pledge nearly $450K for refugee resettlement after Trump cuts

Pittsburgh’s Urban Redevelopment Authority and Allegheny County’s Department of Human Services are helping to replace federal funding President Donald Trump revoked for refugee resettlement agencies.

The authority’s board on Thursday authorized $224,000 in total for three organizations — Jewish Family and Community Services, Hello Neighbor and AJAPO.

That money will help fund housing-related services — like security deposits or rent assistance — for 224 refugees in Pittsburgh.

The county human services department intends to provide the same amount to those groups, said Deputy Director Abigail Horn. Officials are hoping local foundations will offer a similar contribution.

In January, the Trump administration suspended federal funding for resettlement agencies, The Associated Press reported, leaving such organizations struggling to support refugees entering the country.

The funding cut immediately impacted refugees whom organizations had already contractually agreed to support, said Dana Gold, chief operating officer for Jewish Family and Community Services.

Gold’s group offers an array of services for new refugees, starting with picking them up at the airport. The organization helps people find jobs, enroll their kids in school and feel welcome in a new country.

Kyle Chintalapalli, who chairs the authority board and serves as Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey’s chief of staff, pointed out that the mayor earlier in the day had welcomed newly naturalized U.S. citizens in his office.

“It’s fitting that we have before us today the opportunity to further support folks who are coming to this country looking for a new beginning,” Chintalapalli said.