A major funding loss has forced Catholic Charities of Fort Wayne-South Bend to lay off nearly 20% of its workforce, leaving both employees and refugees in limbo.
Federal Contract Termination Triggers Job Losses
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend (CCFWSB) confirmed it had to let go of 17 employees after the federal government ended its U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) contract with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).
The organization plays a critical role in resettling refugees fleeing war and violence, offering them legal protection and a pathway to permanent residency in the U.S. But without federal funding, their ability to continue these efforts has been severely compromised.
Impact on Refugee Resettlement in Indiana
In 2024, CCFWSB successfully resettled 380 refugees in northeast Indiana. The now-canceled Reception and Placement contract provided financial resources to support these efforts, covering both resettlement programs and staff salaries.
Last year alone, the organization received $3 million to facilitate these services. With that funding gone, its capacity to assist future arrivals is uncertain.
A Broader Pattern of Federal Cuts
Officials say this is not an isolated case. The termination of CCFWSB’s contract is part of a sweeping decision by the White House, which led to the cancellation of nearly 10,000 similar contracts nationwide.
CEO Dan Florin expressed the difficult reality of the situation.
“The reduction represents almost 20% of our workforce,” Florin stated. “It’s very difficult. Very sad. In terms of new arrivals (of refugees), it sounds like we’ll be on pause for the foreseeable future. It’s out of our control. In order to make sure that we continue to support our other programs, we had to take this action.”
The Future of Refugee Support Programs
While the layoffs are a major setback, CCFWSB remains committed to its mission. However, without restored funding or alternative financial support, the agency’s ability to provide critical services to refugees in the region remains uncertain.
For now, new refugee arrivals to northeast Indiana appear to be on hold, and the fate of resettlement efforts in the area hangs in the balance.
