Deploying Humanitarian Assistance FundsCommunity foundations are often at the forefront in times of crisis or when emergent needs require swift action, as when Arlington Community Foundation (ACF) stood up a pandemic response fund that deployed more than $1 million in private dollars to support essential nonprofits. ACF’s mission is to serve all residents of our County by connecting resources to needs.
We also identify issues where perseverance is required in order to make progress. Since 2019, our efforts have been organized around stemming the tide of displacement of our low-income neighbors, including our immigrant neighbors. Aligning with Arlington’s vision statement, we recognize the role of immigrants as an integral part of our neighborhoods, economy, and community fabric.
Recent and ongoing actions threaten the rights that are afforded to all persons by the U.S. Constitution, regardless of their immigration status (click here to learn more). These rights are a cornerstone of our democracy, and ensuring them for all people in Arlington is an important expression of the mission and values of our organization.
In response to these actions, we are stepping up our efforts to engage our community in meeting challenges as they arise. We are working diligently to provide the best information about where financial and volunteer efforts can have the greatest benefit on a range of issues, such as the need for legal support for immigrants. To ensure the rights of all Arlington residents are fully protected, we are deploying humanitarian assistance funds to two organizations: Just Neighbors and Legal Aid Justice Center. Each organization will receive $125,000 to:
You can find a list of Resources for Immigrants on this page, organized by categories such as public safety, Arlington Public School (APS), know your rights, and County resources, among others.
As new pressures on our vulnerable neighbors emerge, we will elevate and share opportunities to meet those needs. If you have questions or want to partner with us in this work, send us an email at any time.
