A new funding opportunity is available from the Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy (VSHSL) to improve access to civil legal advice, civic engagement, and resources for immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers residing in King County.
This investment seeks to increase the number of immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers who feel welcomed, valued, and that they belong as members of the King County community. The funding will support entities in providing not-for-profit or pro bono legal services that help low- or no-income immigrants and refugees in King County and programs that promote housing stability, civic engagement, integration facilitation, and culturally appropriate training that create thriving communities.
Funding overview
Organizations funded by the VSHSL will provide outreach, civil legal services, connection to resources, and in some cases direct services to low- or no-income immigrants and refugees residing in King County who are in need of culturally competent services and resources.
Funded organizations may:
- Directly represent immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers residing in King County regarding civil legal advice and representation on matters related to civic engagement, resource access, detention, removal, or risk of other harm or loss related to their immigration status.
- Provide direct social services and resources to immigrants and refugees residing in King County (to include resource navigation, case management, direct assistance to meet basic needs, etc.).
- Through community-based outreach, identify, engage, and facilitate effective referrals to culturally appropriate resources.
- Develop an outreach and engagement plan, describing strategies to reach potential clients, by both remote and in-person contact, including potential clients who are newly arrived and have limited or no documentation.
- Develop and maintain connections, partnerships, and opportunities to allow for appropriate referrals to other legal service providers or community resources that may benefit clients.
- Provide services in languages that represent the communities seeking services, with consideration for Spanish, Chinese, and Vietnamese as identified in 2021 Top Languages in King County or the language(s) most prevalent for immigrants and refugees currently seeking support.
Application details
Available funding: Up to $3,309,037 in Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy funds
Investment period: August 1, 2024 – December 31, 2027 (subject to change)
Questions: Contact Frank Video at fvideo@kingcounty.gov
Applications due: April 25, 2024 by 2:00pm Pacific Time
Join the information session to learn more
A virtual information session to discuss questions related to this RFP will be held on March 27, 2024, 1:00 – 2:30pm.
Join by Zoom:
https://kingcounty.zoom.us/j/83705213030
Meeting ID: 837 0521 3030
Passcode: 730877
Join by phone:
Phone # 1 253 205 0468
The information session will be recorded and posted here.
This will be a remote session with speech to text captioning provided. For accommodations to participate, please contact Frank Video by March 25, 2024.