Refugee Services Collaborative of Greater Cleveland (RSC)

Cleveland has always been a city that welcomes and supports its neighbors. As challenges continue to rise, we ask for your support to ensure that refugees in our community are not left behind. *** In just a short time, we have already witnessed significant changes in the newcomer space, bringing both uncertainty and urgency to our collective work. On January 24, 2025, the executive administration issued an unprecedented “stop work” order for the Reception and Placement (R&P) program, halting refugee admissions, service delivery, and critical funding. This abrupt decision left 384 refugees—who were in the crucial first 90 days of their resettlement—without the essential support they needed to build stable, self-sufficient lives. We are incredibly proud of our member organizations, Catholic Charities, the May Dugan Center and USCRI, who, with the support of the local philanthropic community, responded immediately to ensure their clients continued to receive critical services such as housing, food, utilities, medical visits, school enrollment, and workforce support. As the Refugee Services Collaborative (RSC), we know that our role is not only to respond to immediate challenges but to lead long-term efforts to support our member organizations and the clients they serve. In response, we are establishing an Emergency Fund to provide direct assistance to refugees and international newcomers in our community who are facing unmet needs due to these dramatic federal changes. Hundreds of households are at risk during these uncertain times. All funds raised will be distributed through our network to directly support the immediate needs of refugees and international newcomers in the community. Donate now to make an immediate impact: rsccleveland.org/donate Thank you for standing with us and for your commitment to making Cleveland a place where all are welcome and supported.

Over the last week, numerous Executive Orders and memos from the federal government have resulted in significant challenges here in our community. While the full impact of these changes is still being understood, we know two things to be true. First, we, members of the Refugee Services Collaborative of Greater Cleveland (RSC), remain steadfast in our commitment to supporting and uplifting refugees and all other international newcomers in the region. Second, we know that this will only be possible with the help of the broader community. Recent executive orders and memos directly and immediately impact RSC member organizations and, therefore, clients'--individuals' and families'--ability to access services, feel safe in their day-to-day lives, and, in some cases, even remain in the country. While these challenges are occurring more rapidly and profoundly than we have seen in recent history, we know that this is not the first time refugees and international newcomers have encountered such hardships. History reminds us that the key to overcoming great adversity is through the great uprising of community and collaboration. And so we, the RSC, call upon the broader community to step up and join us. We encourage other organizations across the county, places of worship, local clubs, and caring neighbors to help us support and serve all the refugees and international newcomers in our community. Together, we are stronger—and that will never change. If you feel called to immediate action, please contact the RSC (https://lnkd.in/eqScBNBy) to learn ways to donate, volunteer, and stay connected. We will continue to update the community as we learn more.