City Council Agenda Report
Meeting Date: July 1, 2025
From: Brian Saeki, City Administrator
Department: City Administration
Submitted by: Diana Figueroa, Senior Management Analyst Subject
Donation to the Coalition for Human Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA) to Support Immigrant Vernon Residents and Workers
Recommendation
Approve and authorize a donation in the amount of $25,000 to CHIRLA, a non-profit organization that will provide Vernon residents and workers access to legal support services and education, and relief programs that address food insecurity, healthcare, and financial burden (among other things) to mitigate the impacts of recent federal immigration enforcement action in the City.
Background
In light of recent federal immigration enforcement actions within Vernon and in the broader region, understandably, there is growing concern among community members. The City is committed to the safety, dignity, and well-being of all individuals – regardless of immigration status. As such, City staff proposes contributing funds to support the unique needs of immigrant families during these challenging times.
The Coalition for Human Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA) is dedicated to supporting the needs of immigrants and offers a variety of specialized services through its network of partner organizations. Through CHIRLA, immigrants may find access to much needed essential resources like food and medication and may leverage legal counsel and representation to respond to federal immigration enforcement agents’ actions in a strategic, peaceful, and lawful manner. CHIRLA has been advocating for immigrants’ rights for over 30 years. This trusted organization is highly engaged in the communities it serves and has the ability to provide comprehensive assistance to Vernon residents and workers.
City staff recommend that funding be directed to CHIRLA because of the organization’s experience, expertise, ability to mobilize quickly and efficiently, and their capability to address multiple, varying community needs. CHIRLA has been vetted by the City’s Vernon CommUNITY Fund consultant, Jemmott Rollins Group, a firm that is anchored by philanthropic best practices and understands the requisite for non-profit service organizations to demonstrate accountability, financial health, and transparency.
With Vernon’s monetary donation, CHIRLA has agreed to:
• Prioritize services for Vernon residents and workers
• Conduct outreach throughout the City of Vernon to ensure that impacted residents and workers are aware of the services that CHIRLA provides
• Offer educational resources and workshops at various locations in the City • Consult with individuals and families seeking assistance as needed • Provide a brief report on the use of funds after the City’s donation has been fully expended With Council’s approval, City staff will facilitate the donation to CHIRLA and work with the organization to ensure that immigrant Vernon residents and workers have access to specialized support services.
Fiscal Impact
The fiscal impact is not-to-exceed $25,000. Sufficient funds are available in the General Fund City Administration Community Development Account No. 011-010-160-525000 for the current fiscal year.
Attachments
None.