Executive Zahilay Announces $900,000 Investment to Strengthen Health and Wellbeing for Immigrant and Refugee Communities in South King County
Community partners; staff from Renton Regional Community Foundation and Communities of Opportunity; and members of COO’s Governance Group.
Originally posted by Executive Girmay Zahilay’s office, August 18, 2026
Summary
King County is investing $900,000 to support the health and wellbeing of immigrant and refugee communities with a geographic focus on South King County.
Story
Today, Executive Girmay Zahilay announced that King County is investing $900,000 as part of a new public-private partnership to support the health and wellbeing of immigrant and refugee communities impacted by federal immigration enforcement activities in South King County.
The South King County Immigrant and Refugee Futures Fund (SIRFF) is a new partnership that will provide funding to organizational networks to support urgent needs of community members affected by federal actions. Areas of support include funding for basic needs, rapid response training for families, safety education, and programs focused on mental health, community care, and healing.
This funding builds on the $2 million in emergency funds announced as part of Executive Zahilay’s Protecting Immigrant and Refugee Communities Executive Order signed in February. That funding was distributed to community-based organizations to support housing stabilization, legal aid, and food assistance for immigrant and refugee residents throughout the county.
“King County is stronger when every resident – regardless of their immigration status – feels safe, welcomed, and has the support they need to thrive,” said Executive Girmay Zahilay. “I’ve heard directly from immigrant and refugee residents about how the fear of federal immigration enforcement is taking a toll on their health and wellbeing, especially for communities in South King County. That’s why we are advancing this public-private partnership with trusted community organizations to connect people with the resources, services, and support they need. By investing in this partnership, we’re helping build a stronger, healthier, and more resilient King County for everyone.”
Two Best Starts for Kids initiatives based in Public Health – Seattle & King County will be leading the partnership at the county: Communities of Opportunity (COO) and the Community Well-Being Initiative (CWI). They are partnering with the Renton Regional Community Foundation (RRCF) and Sheng-Yen Lu Foundation to invest in immigrant and refugee communities in south King County. RRCF will provide a minimum match of $250,000 to the County’s contribution to SIRFF, which will run through 2027.
“The South King County Immigrant and Refugee Futures Fund follows our community-identified priority to ensure that philanthropic resources move quickly, responsibly, and with deep community accountability to trusted frontline organizations leading response, care, and protection efforts,” said LeAnne Moss, Executive Director of the Renton Regional Community Foundation. “This partnership will enable rapid and long-term, community-informed action with immediate impact. We invite other philanthropic organizations to join the fund’s effort.”
Many of South King County's communities are experiencing deep stress and mental health and well-being challenges. As part of the partnership, the Community Well-Being Initiative is supporting mental health supports, with resources directed to specific challenges faced by immigrants, refugees and others, such as LGBTQ+ communities.
“Our immigrant and refugee communities are experiencing a broad set of challenges right now. We are stepping up to support their health and well-being, including mental health and basic needs,” said Dr. Sandra Valenciano, Director and Health Officer for Public Health – Seattle & King County. “This partnership will provide immediate relief and also strengthen our local community networks for sustained coordination and support.”
RRCF will lead implementation of the fund, in collaboration with Sheng-Yen Lu Foundation, and other philanthropic organizations and individuals. Funds will be allocated to south King County organizations that work closely with communities impacted, with additional detail on funding processes and focus areas being developed in collaboration with community partners. Additional partners are invited to support the fund.
About The Partners
Best Starts for Kids is a King County voter-approved initiative to support every baby born or child raised in King County to reach adulthood happy, healthy, safe, and thriving. Through comprehensive supports from prenatal development to adulthood, Best Starts for Kids catalyzes strong starts in early childhood and sustains those gains as kids progress to adulthood, launching King County’s kids on a path to lifelong health and well-being.
Communities of Opportunity (COO) is a cross-sector, collaborative initiative of Public Health – Seattle & King County and Best Starts for Kids. With commitments to racial equity and social justice, COO invests in community-led strategies through partnerships and coalitions that build community power to improve conditions for all kids and families.
The Community Well-Being Initiative (CWI) is an initiative of Public Health – Seattle & King County and Best Starts for Kids. CWI builds community capacity to reduce stigma and reinforce compassion, connection, and care in communities by supporting upstream, community-driven and youth-led strategies.
The Regional Renton Community Foundation (RRCF) is a philanthropic group that has been fostering philanthropy in South King County and beyond and serving as a connector among people, place, and purpose since 1999. Their mission is to ignite the power of philanthropy – by connecting people, ideas and resources – to support and engage our community.
Sheng-Yen Lu Foundation strives to combine compassion and philanthropy with strategic grant making to advance and promote quality health and education for all. SYLF provides funding for immigrant justice initiatives and organizations serving low-income immigrants and refugees throughout King, Pierce, and Snohomish Counties.