Holiday Collection Efforts Initiated to Support Refugee Families

HARTFORD, CT – State Representatives Jennifer Leeper (D–Fairfield) and Kate Farrar (D–West Hartford) are encouraging donation efforts for refugee families through holiday collections sponsored by Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants (CIRI) and Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services (IRIS).

Previously both Representative Leeper and Representative Farrar were instrumental in getting the inclusion of $1 million in the state budget to provide financial assistance to refugee resettlement agencies and to help close the ‘welcome gap’ faced by Connecticut’s refugees. 

“Our state, like others, has seen a sharp increase in the number of refugee families who have resettled here particularly from Afghanistan and Ukraine. These families are an asset to our communities and the holidays are such an especially important time to keep them in mind and offer additional support. From coat drives to toy drives, there are really impactful ways to support these families and ensure they continue to feel welcome here," said Rep. Leeper. "I encourage anyone who is able to support these collection efforts on behalf of refugee families." 

"I am proud of our work in the legislature to allocate essential resources to refugee families as they rebuild their lives in Connecticut. During this season of giving, I hope we can join together to donate toys or welcome gifts to CIRI and IRIS who support refugees across our state every day. As the wife of a refugee, I know how much a community's support can mean to a family as they settle in a new home," Rep. Farrar said. 

The funding secured in the state budget provides arriving refugee families with a one-time grant of $1,000 to compensate for the higher cost of living in Connecticut by covering expenses such as rent, utilities, transportation, food, English language instruction, and job training. The funds are allocated to the sponsoring refugee resettlement agencies.

The U.S. Department of State allocates a per capita allowance of $2,275 per refugee to resettlement agencies. Connecticut’s high cost of living drains these funds during refugees’ first few months of living in the state, but it typically takes five months for refugees to find employment that will cover their living expenses. These interim months are known as the ‘welcome gap’. The additional funding in the state budget works to close that existing gap. 

Details for Immigrant and Refugee Holiday Collections:

Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services (IRIS) - Holiday Toy Drive                                                                 

Current Needs: Toys for children Ages 3 to 10.                                                                                                               

You can order online and have them delivered to 120 Sigourney St, Hartford 06105 (please avoid weekend delivery).

Please e-mail Tkimball@irisct.org for more information or visit https://irisct.org/donate/ to donate online.

Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants (CIRI) - Winter Welcome Gifts

You can order online and have any toys or goods delivered directly to 670 Clinton Avenue, Bridgeport CT 06605. c/o Delaila Grey

Please e-mail DGrey@cirict.org for more information or visit https://cirict.org/donate/ to donate online.

Current needs are:                                                                                                                                                                       

•            Winter Coats (Specific Coat Drive:                                                                                   

•            Blankets

•            Baby Diapers (All sizes)

•            Baby Toiletries: (wipes, diaper rash cream/ointment, body wash, etc.)

•            Socks (all sizes)

•            Adult Toiletries: Soap, body wash, shampoo & conditioner, razors and shaving cream, feminine products, etc. 

M
Submitted by Milford, CT

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