Updated Media advisory: New Hampshire Legislature cuts funds for parents seeking jobs
LSS refugee families among those facing imminent homelessness
The N.H. legislature has terminated funding for a program that had provided subsistence funding to unemployed parents while they look for employment. Of the 265 families impacted by this action, 27 are refugee families served by Lutheran Social Services (LSS).
| Update: Since the June 30 cutoff date, LSS Services for New Americans staff have helped five refugee families to find work. Bhim and his family are still searching. |
The N.H. legislature has terminated funding for a program that had provided subsistence funding to unemployed parents while they look for employment. Of the 265 families impacted by this action, 27 are refugee families served by Lutheran Social Services (LSS).
The Unemployed Parent Program (UP), previously funded through the State of New Hampshire Dept. of Health and Human Services, ended on June 30. Prior to that, it had provided assistance to two-parent families with dependent children when both parents were unable to secure employment or were under-employed.
The elimination of the UP Program happened with little warning to the families or the organizations, such as Lutheran Social Services, helping them to find employment. LSS job developers are working energetically to identify potential employers and other resources in the communities where the families live.
The urgency of the situation is compounded by the current state of the economy, stated Ann Dancy, director for LSS Services for New Americans. “It’s much harder to find jobs today than it was a couple of years ago. And for refugees, who are here with the support and approval of the U.S. government, it’s even harder.
“Refugees face the added challenges of cultural and language barriers under these circumstances. However, refugees in N.H. have a history of becoming productive citizens within their communities.
Dancy expressed the hope that the municipalities where the families reside will join forces with the agency to support these families by identifying potential employers and assisting with housing.
To Offer Assistance Contact:
Mr.
Augustin Ntabaganyima
Program Manager, Services for New Americans
Lutheran Social Services
261 Sheep Davis Road, Suite A-1
Concord, NH 03301
603 224 8111 phone
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Press Contact:
Amy Marchildon
Director, Services for New Americans
Lutheran Social Services
261 Sheep Davis Road, Suite A-1
Concord, NH 03301
603 224 8111 phone