One of the organizations I have been associated with through two sources over the past years posted about the recent freeze of government grants that has affected their ministry to local refugees. In a haze of lobbing cultural and political grenades, it’s important to work to understand just how drastic actions have devastating impacts on good work. I will post their comments in full in here.

Our Federal Grant

We recognize that there has been a lot of discussion in the media about federal grants and cutting them categorically because of waste and fraud.

While we can only attest to the federal grants we have administered, we thought it might be helpful to offer some facts.

Our federal grant to provide reception and placement services to refugees for 90 days began in April of 2024. As part of our Cooperative Agreement with the government, we entered into a public/private partnership to provide the required services (housing, food, clothing, employment services, medical screenings, ESL classes, cultural orientation classes, furniture, utlities, school supplies and uniforms etc). What this means is that the money we receive from the federal government is only a fraction of what it costs to resettle the refugees assigned to our agency, forcing us to raise the money to cover costs above what is granted in the contract. Money from the grant is only issued as a reimbursement, and it is a set amount per individual, meaning you don’t get more if you spend more. We are required to painstakeningly account for every cent spent with receipts. We are also required to account for every dollar privately raised and spent including in kind donations. In addition, we are also required to track volunteer hours – all this to prove that we are indeed in a public/private partnership.

Looking at trends over the 96 individuals we had the privilege of welcoming between April 2024 and January 2025, it is evident that the government funds of this grant only cover about 30% of what we spend on a refugee during their first 90 days. The other 70% we raise through generous donors.

The design of the grant is to enable, require and ensure that receiving agencies (Dwell) are held accountable. The terms of our contract serve as controls against fraud or waste – in fact they demand we steward our government funds with diligence.

Other facts and numbers:

Refugees are some of the most vetted people in our country having spent many years prior to their resettlement going through an extensive process which takes MANY years and includes clearances from DHS, FBI and Counterterrorism.

People who have been granted refugee status are among some of the most vulnerable people on the planet, many of whom are survivors of violence and torture.

Refugees have a legal pathway to citizenship.

A remarkable number of refugees achieve self sufficiency within the 90 days and those that don’t usually do by 4-6 months.

Most of our refugee children are at the top of their classes in school despite overcoming incredible language and cultural barriers.

A 15 year study of refugees revealed that refugees have contributed $123.8 billion more than they have cost in governmental expenditures, showcasing their economic benefit.

What can you do?

Share the TRUTH. Not all federal contracts are riddled with waste and fraud. Implore your Congresspeople to ask our government to use a scalpel instead of an axe when carving out these federal grants. Give money to help us continue our work. Be a friend to a refugee. Love your beautiful neighbor and dare to see how their presence makes our country richer, stronger, greater.

It’s a lot of information, but information is what we need. And more… as believers and followers of Christ we need the compassion of Christ to move us beyond political rhetoric and cultural arguments. As followers of Christ, we need not fear, but all rhetoric of fear pours into our “Christian” conversation and it’s abominable.

Friends, Christ calls us to more.