“In a letter issued last week by Rep. Khanh Pham and Sen. Kayse Jama, the two Portland-area Democrats outlined the need for the state to invest in everything from housing assistance and case management to legal services for newly arrived Afghans.”
“Matthew Westerbeck, director of resettlement services for Catholic Charities of Oregon, said he believes the state’s engagement in this issue is essential to organizations like his welcoming more individuals and families to Oregon with the highest level of services.
According to Westerbeck, the lingering COVID-19 pandemic and stunted hiring market have posed challenges to resettlement agencies at a time where they’re being asked to help more refugees in a shorter window than ever before.”
Read the full article: https://www.opb.org/article/2021/11/26/oregon-lawmakers-request-millions-support-resettlement-1200-refugees/