Afghan Integration and Resettlement Services (AIRS) Project
Refugee Programs Bureau (RPB)
The AIRS Project will increase services for Afghan newcomers in California by supporting the organizational capacity of qualified nonprofit organizations to provide culturally and linguistically responsive case management services to assist with the successful integration of Afghan arrivals into their communities.
Eligible Populations
Priority will be given to Afghan nationals who:
- currently reside in California
- arrived in the United States on or after July 31, 2021
- have the following immigration statuses:
- Refugee or Asylee
- Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holder
- Special Immigrant (SQ or SI) Parolee
- Special Immigrant (SI) Conditional Permanent Resident (CPR)
- Afghan Humanitarian Parolee
AIRS Services
The AIRS Project is designed to increase the organizational capacity of qualified non-profit organizations to provide enhanced case management services to eligible individuals from Afghanistan. The services are intended to complement federal Reception & Placement and/or Afghan Placement and Assistance program services by allowing for continued engagement with Afghan individuals or families experiencing high needs. Services will include, but are not limited to, assistance with navigating applications for public benefits and social services, supporting housing placements, assisting with English language instruction, coordinating employment training and job placements, and other activities needed to ensure Afghan newcomers are supported upon arrival and successfully integrated into their communities.
Eligible Applicants
The California Department of Social Services (CDSS), Refugee Programs Bureau, will grant $10 million in state general funds to qualified nonprofit organizations in Alameda, Contra Costa, Fresno, Los Angeles, Orange, Sacramento, San Diego, Santa Clara, and Stanislaus counties.
Funding Announcement
The $10 million funding will be awarded by CDSS to qualified nonprofit organizations for a project period beginning June 29, 2022, and ending June 29, 2024. For more information, please see the Request for Funding Applications (RFA) documents below.
Questions may be submitted to AIRS@dss.ca.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions and answers about the AIRS Project and application process from the informational session on Friday, April 22nd.
RFA Documents