President Donald Trump’s decision to rescind order to freeze federal aid allows a small pot of funds for nonprofits such as Inspiritus, which provides support for adults and children who are escaping violent situations locally.
But, there is still a massive need for foreign refugees turning to the organization for help, CEO said John Moeller.
Organizations like Inspiritus are scrambling to raise funds to make up for what is not coming from the federal government at this time, he said.
Last Monday, Trump rescinded his order on federal aid, allowing Inspritus to help clients who are citizens with emergency rent and food.
“We cannot begin to tell you … for how long we would be able to support folks with that funding,” Moeller said.
The philanthropic and faith communities are making donations to Inspiritus to help refugees who recently arrived in Atlanta and have been depending on the nonprofit for support.
“We hope the support will only grow as people become aware,” Moeller said. “I want to thank and encourage the philanthropic community to continue to help us …”
Inspiritus spent millions of dollars last year helping 1,340 refugees settle in metro Atlanta. Refugees come to Atlanta from Ukraine, Afghanistan, Africa, Haiti, Southeast Asia and elsewhere, escaping extreme violence and torture.
Moeller said Inspiritus and similar agencies are in conversation trying to brainstorming strategies for funding sources.
“It is a tenuous and kind of perilous situation that agencies like us find ourselves in,” he said.
Inspiritus has a staff of 200 people who fear they are facing unemployment soon.
Moeller said, they have been told that staff changes are likely.
All future funds are uncertain.
“Every dollar inspiritus receives from the federal government — that is theoretically unfrozen — is still being heavily scrutinized for its noncompliance with the President’s priorities,” Moeller said. “Therefore any funding could be further delayed or cancelled.
“So we are in jeopardy with everyday that passes. We could receive a work stoppage and they could fail to reimburse us for services that we have already rendered.”
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