New Grant to Fund COVID-19 Relief & Recovery Efforts
Focuses on addressing immediate needs and building targeted recovery pathways for economic inclusion for immigrant and other workers of color impacted by COVID-19
The Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County (WDC) is pleased to announce a $500,000 investment from JPMorgan Chase focused on COVID-19 relief and recovery efforts. The WDC will assist individuals who have lost jobs and income as a result of the ongoing public health emergency.
"The crisis is amplifying existing inequities: the immediate impact on hospitality and service jobs, the greater economic vulnerability of communities of color and immigrants and refugees and ongoing systemic barriers. This grant will enable the WDC to address the immediate need for navigation, language access and development of virtual services and capacity for people of color, immigrant and other low wage workers impacted by COVID-19," said Marie Kurose, CEO of the WDC. "We are convening communities of color and immigrant and refugee coalitions, our partners, and labor and industry groups to identify priorities and develop inclusive strategies to guide our recovery efforts."
Using technology, navigation, and training, the WDC will prioritize people of color, immigrants, and low-wage workers who are disproportionately impacted. Technology will allow for safe remote access to public benefits, job boards, and virtual job fairs. Navigation will assist in accessing benefits, assessing jobs, and providing flexible supports for unmet needs. Training will lead to skills and credentials needed in a new economy.
In addition, the WDC will focus on identifying the needs of immigrants who are not eligible for many federally funded resources. Specific contracts and funding will serve community priorities and gaps, and the WDC will ensure coordination with other public and private resources.
The initiative will help to define a long-term vision and scalable approach to coordinate and align resources across complex public systems and non-profit and philanthropic partners. As the local workforce anchor institution, the WDC recognizes a need to partner with community, share data, and prepare for recovery in coordination and partnership.