LA County Declares June as Refugee Awareness Month

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has proclaimed June as Refugee Awareness Month, acknowledging the sacrifices made by more than 3,000 refugees who have settled in the County over the past five years. 

In accordance with a motion passed by the Board on Tuesday, June 4, the county Department of Public Social Services and refugee service organizations will celebrate the strength, courage, and perseverance of millions of refugees throughout the month.

“When leaving their native countries, refugees make tremendous sacrifices,” Board of Supervisors Chair Lindsey Horvath wrote in her motion. “In June, we collectively celebrate the strength, courage, and perseverance of millions of refugees around the world.”

A Board of Supervisors statement said the county Department of Public Social Services will highlight services such as the Refugee Employment Program, offered to those participating in the Greater Avenues for Independence Program, which provides employment and training services for eligible refugees and those seeking or have been granted asylum.

Additionally, the Department will inform refugees about the benefits of CalFresh food assistance, Medi-Cal, and financial support for housing, utilities, and clothing. 

On Thursday, June 20, the Department will join its dedicated community partners in celebrating World Refugee Day at El Cariso Community Regional Park in Sylmar, with staff onsite to provide enrollment assistance and information about essential programs available to the County’s refugee and asylee populations.

According to the motion on Tuesday, over 3,000 refugees have arrived in Los Angeles County in the last five years between April 2019 and March 2024. Refugees come from many parts of the world including Central America and Afghanistan. 

Additionally, from February 2022 to March 2024, there have been nearly 12,600 approved “Uniting for Ukraine” financial supporters from Los Angeles County, which has prompted a monthly average of approximately 1,500 adult Ukrainian humanitarian parole participants in the county’s Refugee Employment Program (REP).

This year’s refugee service organizations include Refugee Forum of L.A., Catholic Charities of L.A., Church World Service, Interfaith Refugee and Immigration Service, International Institute of L.A., International Rescue Committee, Islamic Circle of North America, Jobs Vision Success SoCal, and Uplift Charity. 

More information about services for refugees can be found on the Department of Public Social Services website, https://dpss.lacounty.gov/en/jobs/rep.html.