“Refugee Resettlement Crisis: How One Volunteer is Making a Difference in Nashville”

ProPublica’s recent investigation sheds light on the chaos and struggles faced by refugee resettlement agencies and families in the wake of the Trump administration’s freeze of funds designated to help new refugees. The freeze has caused nonprofits to cut promised services, leaving families in dire situations and overwhelming volunteers who are trying to fill the gaps.

Max Rykov, a former refugee himself and the director of development and communications at the Nashville International Center for Empowerment, found himself at the forefront of the crisis. The sudden halt in funding left his organization scrambling to support nearly 170 people who were dependent on the frozen grants. The impact of the cuts was felt deeply by families like the Venezuelan refugee family Rykov was assisting, who were left without a plan to cover their rent and basic needs.

The situation escalated over the following months, with major nonprofit agencies like the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and HIAS cutting staff and ending refugee efforts due to the lack of federal funding. Legal battles ensued as agencies fought to recoup the owed funds, while some were forced to close resettlement offices entirely.

The Trump administration’s actions have not only destabilized the refugee program but have also eroded trust in the American system for many refugees. The administration argued that the U.S. does not have the capacity to support large numbers of refugees, further exacerbating the crisis.

As the situation worsened, volunteers like Abdul Makembe stepped up to help families navigate the challenges of finding work, accessing healthcare, and securing basic needs. Makembe, a retired volunteer who has dedicated his time to assisting newly arrived African families, faced financial stress as he tried to support his wife’s green card application while volunteering long hours.

The story highlights the resilience and dedication of individuals like Rykov and Makembe, who continue to work tirelessly to support refugees despite the obstacles they face. The ongoing struggle underscores the urgent need for sustainable solutions to support refugee resettlement and uphold America’s commitment to providing sanctuary for those fleeing war and oppression.