By Kathleen Bagg
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Catholic Charities Bureau has been forced to halt its refugee resettlement services due to the federal government’s recent suspension of refugee arrivals and frozen reimbursements for services already provided. The funding freeze, resulting from an executive order on immigration issued Jan. 20, has left the program without more than $600,000 in expected reimbursements, leading to the permanent layoff of 26 staff members.
“This sudden halt in funding has put an immediate strain on our ability to serve refugees who have already arrived and are trying to build new lives,” said Anita Hassell, CEO and diocesan director of Catholic Charities Bureau for the Diocese of St. Augustine. “We had no choice but to lay off most of our staff, but we are doing everything possible to assist those still in need with what little resources we have.”
For years, Catholic Charities has provided critical services to newly arrived refugees, including housing assistance, job placement, healthcare enrollment, school registration, English language instruction, and cultural orientation. Without federal funding, the organization is now seeking alternative resources to continue offering limited direct aid, such as rent, utilities and food assistance, to those already in the country.
Bishop Erik Pohlmeier of the Diocese of St. Augustine recently addressed the broader immigration crisis, emphasizing the Church’s unwavering commitment to the dignity of every person.
“The Catholic Church has long stood with migrants and refugees, recognizing their inherent dignity and their right to seek safety and security for their families,” Bishop Pohlmeier said in a statement released Feb. 14, 2025. “We remain steadfast in our mission to serve those in need, regardless of shifting policies.”
The Church’s concerns extend beyond funding shortfalls. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, along with several Catholic agencies, has filed a lawsuit against the federal government, challenging the policy changes as a violation of religious freedom. The lawsuit argues that faith-based organizations have a legal right to carry out their mission of assisting migrants and refugees in accordance with Catholic teaching, without undue government interference.
Catholic Charities Bureau remains committed to advocating for solutions that uphold the dignity of refugees and migrants while working to restore services as soon as possible.
For ways you can help support Catholic Charities’ refugee assistance efforts, visit https://www.ccbdosa.org/donate.
To read the statement, “A Call for Justice and Hope in Immigration,” by Bishop Pohlmeier and his statement, “Explaining the Basis for the USCCB Lawsuit,” visit the diocesan website at https://dosafl.com/immigration/.
