By: Gracie Tuohy
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (UATV) — Canopy NWA, the only refugee resettlement agency in Northwest Arkansas, is facing an unexpected financial crisis after a federal stop work order halted key funding for newly arrived refugees. The order came just days after President Donald Trump signed an executive order suspending refugee travel to the United States indefinitely.
Since 2016, Canopy NWA has resettled more than 900 refugees in Northwest Arkansas. The federal funding provides essential support such as housing, food, and transportation during their first 90 days in the country. The sudden stop work order has put much of that assistance at risk.
“The stop work order basically told Canopy and refugee resettlement agencies around the country to stop providing services for refugees who arrived within the past 90 days,” said Annette Quinn, Canopy’s volunteer coordinator, “They can’t stop us from helping completely, but they have frozen the funding we rely on to pay rent, buy groceries, and cover transportation for our clients.”
The halt in funding has left Canopy scrambling to find alternative resources. “It was completely unexpected and unprecedented. We had no idea this was going to happen,” Quinn said. “It has taken away a significant portion of our federal funding. We are working to replace it through additional fundraising, but it has been devastating to the refugee resettlement community in the U.S.”
Despite these challenges, Canopy NWA remains committed to assisting the refugees they have already resettled.
“We will continue helping them find housing, secure jobs, and enroll their children in school. But without federal funding, we have to rely more heavily on local donations and community support, which puts a strain on our budget,” Quinn said.
Community members quickly stepped up after Canopy NWA shared news of the funding freeze. “Hundreds of people have donated after we posted about the stop work order,” Quinn said. “We’ve also had a huge increase in volunteers reaching out to see how they can help.”
The organization is planning information sessions in the coming weeks to educate the public about the situation and how they can get involved.
Beyond the financial impact, the policy shift has created fear and sadness among local refugees. “There is some fear among the refugees we have already resettled,” Quinn said. “Our clients are legal immigrants, but with all the talk of immigration changes and deportations, people are scared. Many have family members who were supposed to come to the U.S. but now cannot.”
Since the announcement of the stop work order, Canopy NWA had to call multiple families to inform them their loved ones would not be arriving as planned. The most recent arrival was a single mother with children from Latin America on the Friday before inauguration day.
While the future of federal refugee funding remains uncertain, Canopy NWA is determined to continue its mission. The organization is currently accepting donations and volunteers to help bridge the funding gap.
“This is a major humanitarian effort,” Quinn said. “The refugee crisis is ongoing, and it’s important that we do our part to provide safe places for those in need.”
