How public and private partnerships deliver promised, essential social services

Commonwealth Catholic Charities (CCC) has partnered with the government for over 15 years to welcome new Americans through the United States Refugee Admissions program. Despite evidence that refugee arrivals provide significant economic returns and no threat to public safety, the Refugee Admissions program was abruptly halted on January 20. 

With a change in administration, nonprofit agencies like ours anticipated a temporary pause on new arrivals. We did not anticipate that our government would simply stop payment for services already rendered and withhold support for lawfully admitted refugees. Since the cancellation of contracts providing regulatory structure and financial resources, we have struggled to provide for people welcomed by the U.S. after fleeing war and persecution. We were also forced to lay off or furlough over 20% of our workforce statewide.