DUMMERSTON-In Brattleboro, we are fortunate to have the Ethiopian Community Development Center (ECDC), which supports refugee resettlement. Our community has been enhanced by the contributions of many refugees, including those from Afghanistan and several countries in Africa.
Refugees have benefited from language classes and caseworkers who assist with housing, medical resources, and education/training opportunities. Volunteers provide tutoring and transportation for medical appointments. I have had the privilege of getting to know several families through volunteering as a conversation partner.
ECDC is supported by federal and state funding, which has paid staff and provides $1,650 per individual upon arrival. ECDC has welcomed over 50 new arrivals since October. Of these 50, 34 are still within their first 90 days and are eligible for the financial support normally provided by per-capita funds.
Tragically, that financial support has been withdrawn due to the stop order on all reception and placement services that was received on Jan. 24. It has also reduced ECDC to a skeleton staff.
This financial support is part of foreign aid spending and was made unavailable when resettlement agencies received this immediate stop order. This is separate from the broader freeze on federal funding that was rescinded. Unfortunately, aid for foreign countries is still frozen, and one of Donald Trump's priorities is limiting refugee resettlement.
So what can we do?
• Donate to ECDC at ecdcvt.org or by check to 112 Hardwood Way, Suite 1, Brattleboro, VT 05301.
• Volunteer with ECDC since they are short staffed.
• Contact Gov. Phil Scott, who supports refugee resettlement (109 State St., Pavilion, Montpelier, VT 05609 or governor.vermont.gov/contact).
• Register outrage to our U.S. representative and senators.
• Support the ACLU in its efforts to bring lawsuits.
Claire B. Halverson
Dummerston
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