Marin County Launches Funding For Immigrant Support Services

SAN RAFAEL, CA — In response to an intensive and disruptive effort to remove undocumented immigrants from California, Marin County announced a new initiative and a spate of funding to aid immigrant communities.

To safeguard these communities, the county released a $425,000 request for proposals to support immigration legal services and direct support services to address food and housing insecurity.

“As a County, we have a responsibility to ensure that every resident, regardless of immigration status, feels safe, supported, and valued,” Mary Sackett, President of the Marin County Board of Supervisors, said in a release. “This investment in immigrant support services is not just about funding, it’s about and making sure people in our community have access to the help they need.”

For nonprofits that want to take advantage of this funding, the application period opened Thursday and will go through Aug. 20. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(6) nonprofit organizations as well as tax-exempt community-based groups with fiscal agents and sponsors, the county announced. Applicants can apply or propose services for more than one category.

Here are the categories:

Legal Services: Free or low-cost immigration legal representation and support, including screening, affirmative representation and removal defense.

Direct Support: Immediate and culturally responsive support to prevent housing instability, hunger, and related challenges for people or families who have been impacted by detention or deportation.

As the issue of immigration and the rights of immigrant residents came to the forefront of the national conversation earlier this year, the county Board of Supervisors unanimously passed a resolution in March to authorize the County Executive to invest $500,000 toward supporting immigrant communities.

“We are sending a clear message that Marin County stands with our immigrant communities, and we’ll continue working with our partners to ensure that every resident, no matter their immigration status, has the support and resources they need to survive and thrive,” Jamillah Jordan, County Equity Director, wrote in a statement.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity has been increasing across Marin County. In response, the county dedicated $75,000 of the $500,000 allocation to improve the Marin Rapid Response Network. It provides a 24/7 hotline for residents to report ICE activity observed in the county. The network also offers legal information and resources during and after an arrest or detention.

The county is requesting proposals for support services to spend the remaining $425,000.

Here is a timeline provided by the county:

• July 17 – Request for proposals released
• July 28 – 5 p.m. deadline for applicants to submit questions
• Aug. 1 – Responses to questions released
• Aug. 20 – Submitted proposals due by 5 p.m.
• Aug. 21 to September 11 – County staff review of proposals
• Week of Sept. 15 – Identification of apparent winner(s)
• Oct. – Contract start