WASHINGTON — Dozens of refugee families in Montgomery County, facing potential homelessness, will benefit from millions in emergency rental assistance and support services.
Earlier this year, Afghan refugees were placed in the Enclave Apartments but quickly faced eviction threats due to unpaid rent. Many of these families recently fled Afghanistan, having worked for the U.S. government, which made them targets of the Taliban.
“They’ll hunt you and your family down, kill you, and burn your house down,” said Ilhan Cagri of the Muslim Voices Coalition in September, explaining the urgency behind granting these individuals SIV visas for their service to the U.S.
Placed at the apartments by resettlement agencies, the families struggled to afford rent when their promised assistance dried up. By November, after prolonged negotiations between property owners and county officials, the refugees were warned they had just days left before being evicted.
On Thursday, the situation took a positive turn as the Montgomery County Council approved $3.6 million in emergency funding for rental assistance and homelessness prevention.
“This funding is a significant victory for tenants in Montgomery County,” said Tonia M. Chestnut, President of the Enclave Tenant Association. “It highlights the power of collective action and the need to prioritize housing justice.”
The Enclave Tenant Association credited organizations like Everyday Canvassing and Housing Justice Montgomery for mobilizing tenants and advocating for increased support. Their combined efforts helped bring the issue to the Council’s attention and secure unanimous approval for the funding.
