SPOKANE COUNTY, May 25, 2022 – Spokane County is home to roughly 50,000 Slavic citizens, including many Ukrainians. Recognizing the urgent financial need of refugees escaping the atrocities of war and a desire to keep as many families together as possible during this crisis, the Spokane County Board of Commissioners moved quickly to secure a $1,000,000 grant award from the Washington State Department of Commerce of Tier 1 funding intended for this purpose.
Spokane County contracted with Thrive International as the subrecipient to provide the umbrella administration for allowable reimbursements for resettlement expenditures to date and additional necessary services for qualified individuals and groups under the terms of the grant. Ninety percent (90%) of the awarded funds will be used for direct needs and support personnel assisting refugees in navigation as they arrive in Spokane. For more information about this effort or for those in need of assistance, please visit https://thriveint.org.
Assistance for incoming refugees can include, but is not limited to, paying for rent and housing needs, transportation, healthcare needs, employment needs, a telephone or computer, school or daycare needs (like daycare tuition, supplies or books), food, clothing and other essential items or services coordinated through Thrive International to help stabilize resettlement refugees.
Mary Kuney, Chair of the Spokane County Board of Commissioners, stated “Spokane County recognizes the hardships that these refugees are facing during this crisis. With these funds we hope that those who choose to find sanctuary in our County will be one step closer to finding peace and experience the generosity and kindness that Spokane County is known for.”