Nonprofit leaders ask Bellevue to boost mid‑biennium human services funding for immigrant communities

Multiple community leaders told the Bellevue City Council on Oct. 28 that immigrant‑serving nonprofit organizations urgently need additional funds to respond to a rise in immigration enforcement and related crises.

Debbie Lacey, of Eastside for All, said the city’s draft mid‑biennium appropriation includes ‘‘no adjustment for human services despite a deepening crisis.’’ Lacey told council the coalition of nonprofits and community leaders is requesting a rapid response fund and said smaller, immigrant‑led groups are providing essential services in ways public agencies do not, including assistance at detention centers, help with guardianship for children and food and basic needs.

Lalita Upala, executive director of Indian American Community Services, urged the council to ‘‘step up and collaborate with us in providing and supporting much needed services for BIPOC communities’’ and recommended linguistically and culturally relevant emergency services, know‑your‑rights education and rapid legal assistance.

Councilmember John Hamilton (spoken comment) said the council should consider directing some of its unallocated contingency to the city’s human services fund to support contracted agencies for navigators, rapid response or legal assistance. Several other councilmembers expressed support for staff returning with options for targeted assistance and for staff to publicize existing resources and referral pathways.

City staff said they would explore options and return with proposals for council consideration at an upcoming meeting. No formal appropriation was approved at the Oct. 28 meeting.