As government and philanthropy pour millions of dollars into addressing homelessness, let’s not forget our homeless refugees and immigrants who remain entirely invisible because of a lack of data. This has resulted in inefficiency and inequitable allocation of funds and service delivery. NAAPR calls on policymakers to support our unhoused refugees and immigrants by starting to collect data on their numbers, needs, and barriers to housing and pay special attention to Afghans and Ukrainians who have been resettled in hotels.
To prevent homelessness among refugees and immigrants and help those who are unhoused,
- We urge Congress to evaluate the mandates for rapid employment and self-sufficiency, which have resulted in refugees accepting low-paying jobs that trap them into an inescapable cycle of poverty and contributes to their homelessness and a lack of access to socio-economic opportunities.
- We urge federal, state, and local efforts to invest in programs that allow refugees and immigrants to learn English first, so they develop the skills, credentials, and human capital to advance their long-term prospects.
- We urge businesses and corporations to include refugees and immigrants in their philanthropic efforts to confront the long-term social and economic consequences of migration and poverty.