Gov. Kim Reynolds ‘hopeful’ Iowa can help struggling Afghan refugees

Gov. Kim Reynolds mentioned she’s hopeful the state can help refugee resettlement companies additional to assist deal with points that Afghan refugees are dealing with after arriving in Iowa.

She mentioned the state has been in communication with the federal authorities about the way it can help.

“We reiterated once more: We wish to assist. We wish to be part of it. This is how we are able to do it,” Reynolds mentioned Wednesday. “They need to ask us as a result of we do not know the place they’re at. And so, we do not know what providers they’re lacking. So we have to companion with them. And I am hopeful that we are able to.”

Final week, the Des Moines Register reported that a few of the greater than 600 Afghan refugees who’ve arrived within the Des Moines metro have struggled with out sufficient meals, long-term housing and help.

►Extra: Afghan refugees languish in Iowa motels with hungry youngsters, few housing choices

The Register reported that the resettlement has been a problem as a result of companies had been depleted of funding through the Trump period, adopted by the near-shutdown of resettlements through the pandemic. Businesses then needed to quickly ramp up their workforces once more late final yr.

The sudden nature of the evacuations from Afghanistan additionally meant many refugees arrived in Iowa on little discover, usually with out the employment authorization or Social Safety playing cards wanted for everlasting housing and jobs in Iowa.

►Extra: As Afghans wrestle, Iowa is poised to take refugees from Ukraine. However is the state prepared? 

Most companies reported being requested to take extra refugees than they initially projected they might deal with.

Some companies have seen an inflow of meals and different donations over the previous week. However they are saying they need assistance offering entry to public transportation, translation providers, English language instruction sources and different programming that would present larger entry to jobs.

Reynolds mentioned refugee resettlement companies and the federal authorities are those taking part in the principle position in resettlement efforts, however the state has provided to assist all through the method, together with by connecting refugees with housing help.

►Extra: Why some Afghan refugees have fared higher in Sioux Metropolis, Cedar Rapids than in Des Moines

Reynolds met with resettlement companies in late September, earlier than the primary massive waves of arrivals, and her employees has mentioned she has provided assist from state authorities, significantly the Bureau of Refugee Providers, Iowa Workforce Growth and the Iowa Finance Authority. 

“We have to work collectively to do this,” she mentioned. 

The Des Moines Register’s Lee Rood contributed to this report. 

Ian Richardson covers the Iowa Statehouse for the Des Moines Register. Attain him at irichardson@registermedia.com, at 515-284-8254, or on Twitter at @DMRIanR.