Report on Displaced Persons Program in Omaha, April 15, 1950

Date

April 15, 1950

Format

document

Category

Stories

Subcategory

General

Data URI

soh.sto000.00170.xml

 

asked for 26 assurances

April 15, 1950 Report on Displaced Persons Program in Omaha Quota Situation Our Federation Board accepted originally a quota of 96 Units. Later, the Board agreed to accept an additional quota of 24 Units, making a total quota of 120 Units. Acceptances Against the quota of 120 Units, we have already accepted a total of 64 Units, consisting of 134 individuals. There were three births, making a total of 137 individuals. In addition, 14 individuals who arrived directly to relatives received our assistance, making a total of 151 individuals we served and assisted in our D.P. Division. The cost of this service since July 1, 1949 to our community was the amount of $40,674.48, which is a low figure compared with expenditures in other cities. Considerations in Changing Omaha Quota Balance of Quota Under our present agreement with the United Service for New Americans, we are still obligated to accept 56 Units, approximately 120 individuals. Estimated Cost of Balance of Quota The average cost of absorbing these individuals would be between $325 and $350 a person. This means, that if the present quota is filled, the cost would be some $40,000, on these alone. Responsibility for Present Load Continued responsibility for the present load will have to be maintained, due to the following factors: 1. Losses of Jobs, or temporary unemployment 2. Continued high cost of housing 3. Large incidence of illness, hospitalizations, and dental care. There has been considerable reduction, however, in this group cost. Nevertheless it is extremely difficult to estimate the relief needs of the families already here. However, it can be roughly estimated to cost between $10,000 and $15,000. Summary With an estimated cost of $40,000 to absorb the balance of our quota, plus an estimated cost of some $15,000 for the families already here, we must, therefore, consider carefully the request of the USNA for 25 more families. The question is, Can we afford to increase our present quota? The other question is, should we continue with our commitment for the balance of the quita already established. It is well known that several communities in our region, notably Denver, were literally closed to D.P.’s for several months, when cost and problems of employment and housing became excessive and critical.

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