Economic Integration for Refugees
If you are a refugee, an SIV holder, or an asylum you are most likely eligible for a matching grant.
Jordan Smart
What is HIAS?
HIAS (Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society) was started in 1881 as a storefront in the Lower East side of Manhattan with the goal of assisting Jewish refugees as they fled Russia and Eastern Europe. HIAS expanded during the outbreak of WWI and WWII and slowly over time they’ve reached the ability to help refugees all over the world reach the United States and start a new life.
What is a matching grant program?
HIAS provides an employment program called matching grant.
Direct cash assistance is given as $2000/individual. For a family of five, it’s $10k for the family. The program stops when someone reaches self-sufficiency at the 180 and 240 day mark.
They offer
- Employment skills training
- Obtain a social security card and other documentation
- Apply to bring family members to the United States
- Refer to jobs
- Help you create a budget
- English language training
- Job readiness training
- Cultural orientation
- Find a place to live
- Pay your rent up to 3 months
- Provide food through food banks
- Make Dr appointments
- Provide vouchers for childcare
- Help integrate with the community
And more
Who is eligible for the matching grant program?
- Refugees
- Asylees
- Individuals paroled as refugees or asylees
- Cuban and Haitian entrants
- Certain Amerasians from Vietnam
- Victims of severe forms of trafficking
- Special Immigrants Visa holders
Could you help someone not in the United States?
Go to the site, look for the closest presence. You can also reach out to Jordan: jordan.smart@hias.org and he’ll make the introduction.
is the Early Employment and Career Development Coordinator at HIAS