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12 <br /> a. Support for Local Immigrant and Refugee Population <br /> The Board considered approving funding requests for immigrant and refugee support <br /> services and to approve utilization of the Social Justice Fund as the funding source for <br /> $79,628. Due to the immediate and critical need of the agencies, this request is outside the <br /> annual nonprofit agency funding process. The Social Justice Fund, with a current balance of <br /> $350,000, is a reserve that was established by the BOCC to support social justice needs that <br /> may occur during the fiscal year. <br /> Susan Clifford, Immigrant and Refugee Health Program Manager, introduced her <br /> colleagues from local agencies discussed in the abstract. She thanked the Board of County <br /> Commissioners for the opportunity to speak this evening, and for considering this immediate <br /> need for funding outside the outside agency funding process. <br /> PURPOSE: <br /> To consider approving funding requests for immigrant and refugee support services and to <br /> approve utilization of the Social Justice Fund as the funding source for $79,628. <br /> Due to the immediate and critical need of the agencies, this request is outside the annual <br /> nonprofit agency funding process. The Social Justice Fund, with a current balance of <br /> $350,000, is a reserve that was established by the BOCC to support social justice needs that <br /> may occur during the fiscal year. <br /> BACKGROUND: Orange County is home to an increasingly diverse population: <br /> • 13% foreign-born <br /> • 17% residents speak a language other than English at home <br /> • Refugee arrivals have almost doubled in the last two years, from 54 (FY2014-15) to 91 <br /> year-to-date. <br /> The Board of Orange County Commissioners (BOCC) has supported community-based <br /> agencies working to meet the needs of immigrants and refugees through the non-profit agency <br /> process. However, due to the recent changes in federal immigration policies new challenges <br /> and barriers exist that require an immediate response to expand services for immigrant and <br /> refugee residents. <br /> Confusion about new travel policies, changes in deportation policies/practices, harassment <br /> from other residents, and rumors of checkpoints and raids have all spurred fear in the local <br /> community— especially the Latino and Syrian communities. Local agencies — including law <br /> enforcement and County agencies — held forums to educate community members about their <br /> rights and to show support. Nevertheless many families are still concerned about driving, many <br /> want to apply for citizenship, and some are fearful to leave their homes. <br /> The Orange County Health Department and Orange County Social Services staff consulted on <br /> the most efficient and effective way to address immediate needs. The recommendation to the <br /> BOCC is to utilize the Social Justice Fund to provide $79,628 to support the local community <br /> based agencies to expand services immediately to immigrants and refugees. <br /> El Centro Hispano provides critical direct support, legal, employment and education services <br /> to County residents. El Centro requests $54,168 to expand its immigration legal services. <br /> Funding will cover the salary of a part-time Project Coordinator and full-time Board of <br /> Immigration Appeals (BIA) Accredited Representative, as well as project operating costs. The <br />