IRIS to close its New Haven location
According to a statement, the closure is due to the sudden federal funding reductions to the nonprofit's critical client-serving programs.
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The Integrated Refugee and Immigrant Services, also known as IRIS, announced Wednesday it will be closing its New Haven location.
The office, located on 235 Nicoll St., will close by April 30.
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The nonprofit has an office in Hartford, according to its website.
According to a statement, the closure is due to the sudden federal funding reductions to the nonprofit's critical client-serving programs. As a result, the nonprofit had to make what they describe as cost-saving decisions, which include reducing operational expenses.
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Despite the closure, Maggie Mitchell-Salem, IRIS's executive director, says the nonprofit is committed to providing essential services to refugees and immigrants.
In a statement, Sen. Richard Blumenthal said the following, "These cuts at IRIS are heartbreaking — reflecting the cruel, reckless slash and burn of federal funding that simply makes resettlement of lawful immigrants more difficult. No matter what is happening around the world or in our own country, IRIS opens its arms to people fleeing persecution, famine, and violence to help them find a safe home in Connecticut. That work has been lifesaving for thousands of refugee and immigrant families, and it's despicable that IRIS is forced to make these cuts to fund Trump's tax breaks for billionaires. IRIS will undoubtedly keep fighting to provide a safe haven for refugees and immigrants, and I vow to be with them every step of the way."
