In the span of just a few days, the Administration has made critical decisions that have significantly impacted refugee resettlement. On January 20th, the administration suspended the United States Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP). The following day, all flights for cleared and vetted refugees were cancelled. By January 24th, federal funding for the first 90 days of arrival, know as “Reception & Placement", was also suspended, dismantling long-standing programs that have been crucial to the success of refugees in our communities since the inception of the USRAP program in a bipartisan Congressional Act brought forward by President Jimmy Carter in 1980.

This unprecedented change directly affects Hello Neighbor and our ability to support our newest neighbors in their critical first 90 days in the United States. Since 2022, we have welcomed over 2,000 refugees, averaging 400 refugees a year from over dozens of countries, providing them with safe and affordable housing, food, healthcare navigation, school enrollments, employment, legal support, cultural orientation, and much more. These services have been a lifeline for individuals fleeing violence, persecution, and war and who often arrive with nothing more than the clothes on their backs and the hope of a fresh start.

With the loss of federal funding, many of our new neighbors are left vulnerable to homelessness, isolation, and unemployment. The effects of these cuts extend beyond the refugee families we serve—they impact our entire community. Refugees are an important and vibrant part of our society, contributing socially, economically, and culturally. Without these support systems, refugees face even greater obstacles to successful integration and risk falling into poverty.

“The abrupt suspension of federal refugee funding is not just a policy shift—it’s a humanitarian crisis. Families who arrived with nothing but hope are now left without critical support for housing, food, healthcare, and employment. At Hello Neighbor, we refuse to turn our backs on them, but we cannot do this alone. We need help to ensure our newest neighbors have the foundation they need to rebuild their lives.”
‍— Sloane Davidson, Founder & CEO, Hello Neighbor

Despite this daunting reality, Hello Neighbor is committed to continuing our work to support refugees. We are doing everything in our power to ensure that no one is left behind, but we can’t do it alone. We will continue to provide services funded through our generous donors and private support, but the challenge ahead is immense.

We urge you to join us in advocating for these programs and for the continuation of vital support for refugees. Whether through direct donations or by reaching out to local and national representatives, your support can make a difference.

We are more committed than ever to supporting our new neighbors. The road ahead is uncertain, but with your help, we will continue to stand alongside refugees and ensure that their futures are brighter than the challenges they face. Let’s not allow these cuts to silence the voices of those who need us most.

Thank you for your unwavering support. Together, we can make a difference.