PORTLAND, Maine (AP) Officials in Portland say they’re launching an application process for community groups to request reimbursement for assistance they provided while the city handled the arrival of hundreds of asylum seekers.

The city operated an emergency shelter this summer and housed more than 200 people. Most were fleeing danger and political instability in Africa.

City Manager Jon Jennings says the opportunity for reimbursements is the result of donations. Portland received more than $900,000 in donations this summer to help provide assistance to the asylum seekers.

The city asks that organizations interested in reimbursement send an email to ASDonations(at)portlandmaine.gov that includes the name of the organization and a contact person. The city says it expects to start sending out approved reimbursement money in January.