Partnership with MIRA Coalition will help up to 800 newly arrived immigrants in Massachusetts
 
BOSTON – The Healey-Driscoll Administration has awarded $1.75 million to form the Immigrant Assistance Services (IAS), a new program designed to assist newly arrived immigrants in Massachusetts so they can access services that address their immediate needs

. IAS will be a collaborative program between the Office of Refugees and Immigrants (ORI) and the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) and will be administered by the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA). 

Funding for IAS will support up to 800 individuals and families who are currently living in DHCD homeless shelter placements. Once fully operationalized, this centralized intake and triage process will help immigrants access services such as immediate advice and referrals, targeted and more comprehensive case management, legal services, and other support for which they may be eligible.

ORI and DHCD will coordinate and manage the statewide delivery of these services, including arranging regular on-site health visits and clinics for immigrants in shelter. MIRA will work with resettlement agencies to conduct the case management.