UPDATED Oct. 18, 2023
Rose Community Foundation is administering the Newcomers Fund and deploying resources quickly and strategically to Colorado nonprofits providing essential services to migrant arrivals. The Newcomers Fund is a partnership including Rose Community Foundation, The Denver Foundation, Latino Community Foundation of Colorado , Mile High United Way, The Colorado Office of New Americans and the City and County of Denver.
Thanks to Rose Community Foundation for providing updates and resources.
Access a recording of Rose Community Foundation’s Oct. 6, 2023 Briefing here.
Background:
Since December 2022, more than 22,000 people have arrived in Denver from South and Central America. Efforts are underway to assist migrants traveling on to other destinations and to support those individuals and families who intend to remain in Denver and Colorado.
Over the last nine months, the Newcomers Fund has granted $773,000, focused on initial triage services. Fundraising continues with the hope that future grants can support longer-term needs of nonprofits and the migrants they serve.
Denver is once again facing a surge in migrant arrivals while already housing more newcomers than ever before. The federal government designation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) may apply to over 5,500 people in Colorado, but there is an immediate need to help those who are eligible apply and cover application fees for TPS status and work permits.
Support nonprofits through Rose Community Foundation’s Newcomers Fund. Read the Rose Community Foundation's Press Release
Update from the Colorado Office of New Americans:
The Colorado Migrant Welcome Guide is available in both English and Spanish. The Guide assists asylum seekers and migrants who are interested in remaining in Colorado. The Office is asking for help getting the guide out to those who need it most.
Colorado Welcome Guide English and Spanish versions
Resources for Individuals seeking help:
- 211 help line
- Mile High United Way Immigrant & Refugee Services
- 211 help line
- Mile High United Way Immigrant & Refugee Services
- Colorado Hosting Asylum Network Information Sheet
- Denver Office of Emergency Management Migrant Resources Read daily updates from the City of Denver
Additional ways Colorado philanthropy can assist:
- Refer those seeking help to 211 for resources.
- Directly support key service providers.
In the Metro area, this includes American Friends Service Committee, Colorado Hosting Asylum Network, Iglesia Cuidad de Dios, Denver Community Church, Casa de Paz, Papagayo and SOS Venezuela.
Nonprofit service providers outside the Denver area include Alianza NORCO and La Cocina (Ft. Collins), Integrated Community (Steamboat Springs), Mountain Dreamers (Summit County) and Project Protect Food Systems Workers (agricultural communities). - Support Denver Immigrant Legal Services Fund for those who defend against deportation.
- Advocate with the Dept. of Homeland Security & Colorado’s Congressional delegation to waive fees for migrants to apply for employment and protected status support.
- Help with matchmaking between potential nonprofit hosts and immigrants needing housing & support. Refer interested organizations to Colorado Hosting Asylum Network
- Promote and provide staffing and volunteers for this effort, particularly bilingual individuals.
Additional questions? Reach out to Janet Lopez with The Denver Foundation or Sarah Kurz with Rose Community Foundation.