Updated July 8, 2026
H.R. 1 Resources
On July 4, 2025, the U.S. President signed into law federal House Resolution 1. It impacts programs managed by the Department of Social and Health Services as well as other state social services agencies. H.R. 1 includes changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Medicaid, which serve many of our state’s most vulnerable populations.
Changes to federal Medicaid eligibility for refugees, asylees, and other non-citizen adults will begin on Oct. 1, 2026. ORIA has developed a flyer to outline what refugees, and other immigrants should know about maintaining or regaining eligibility for federal public benefits like Medicaid. You can find the flyer here. Translated versions will be available soon.
You can find more information and resources on the DSHS H.R. 1 webpage.
Updated September 26, 2024
Job Opportunity: ORIA Housing Program Manager
The WA Office of Refugee and Immigrant Assistance (ORIA) is seeking a Housing Program Manager to oversee our Housing Stabilization Services (HSS) program. This program offers services and housing assistance to newly arrived refugees and immigrants in Washington state, helping them secure and maintain stable housing. ORIA is part of the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, within the agency’s Economic Services Administration and Community Services Division. Our goal is to help refugee and immigrant families and individuals succeed and thrive in Washington state. To learn more about ORIA and the HSS program, visit our website at Housing Stabilization Services Program | DSHS (wa.gov).
To learn more about the position and to apply, visit State of Washington Job Opportunities | Work that Matters (governmentjobs.com)
Please note the position closes on 10/10/2024. Interested applicants should submit a resume, cover letter, writing sample and references.
Updated May 23, 2024
Notice of Funding Opportunity: Washington Migrant and Asylum-Seeker Support Project
The Washington State Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS) Office of Refugee and Immigrant Assistance (ORIA) is seeking qualified organizations to participate in the Washington Migrant and Asylum-Seeker Support Project, also referred as the WA MASS Project. The purpose of this pilot project is to build a statewide network of organizations that are coordinated to respond to the specific and immediate needs of recently arrived migrants and asylum-seekers.
Funding for this project is provided by the Washington State Legislature and is available for state fiscal year 2025 (July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025). ORIA is accepting applications from both public and private entities, including city and county governments and other organizations interested in partnering to launch this pilot program. Qualified applicants must have the capacity to provide services that are culturally responsive and linguistically appropriate. DSHS intends to award multiple contracts statewide covering a diverse range of geographic and ethnic communities in Washington State.
For complete information about this opportunity, please refer to our Notice of Funding Webpage.