During this public health crisis, there are many ways to help support immigrant communities and workers. Many immigrants, especially the undocumented, are economically devastated and are often at greater health risk. Safety guidelines, lack of access to state unemployment or other other economic support programs, fear of seeking support and risking arrest and deportation, and other factors have left many immigrants and their families in tenuous living situations.
Here are some of the funds that have been set up nationally and in particular states — to seek support and also to make donations:
Coronavirus/Covid-19: Immigrant Response Funds. From Grantmakers Concerned with Immigrants and Refugees (GCIR)
COVID-19 Recursos para Comunidades Indocumentadas – great list of various resources nationwide – compiled by Undocuscholars
Labor Movement Relief Funds – a listing of labor-related relief funds organized by various unions, guilds and non-profits.
Farmworkers’ Covid-19 Pandemic Relief Fund. An estimated two to three million farmworkers feed us through their labor, bringing fruits, vegetables and other crops to homes across the nation. As the country is learning, their work is critical, yet they and their work have not been properly valued. The COVID-19 pandemic is expanding into rural America, and these communities may be among the hardest hit due to their demographics and lack of resources. All funds raised will go directly to farmworkers to help them purchase basic needs for their families, like groceries and hygienic supplies; pay for utilities and other expenses; and assistance to offset medical costs and to aid in purchasing medical supplies.
Coronavirus Care Fund of the National Domestic Workers Alliance. For many in-home care workers, nannies, and house cleaners the threat from Coronavirus is especially severe. Without access to health care, paid sick leave, or job security, they are being forced to navigate this crisis alone, without a safety net. Donations will provide immediate financial support for domestic workers, and enable them to stay home and healthy.
APALA Covid-19 Community Fund – Organized by the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance, AFL-CIO. To provide support for APALA affiliated members, workers and families. Over 2 million AAPI workers are on the frontlines fighting Covid-19. Many AAPI immigrant workers and families cannot acess public assistance or other financial supports.
America’s Food Fund – A GoFundMe source to support programs providing meals for those in need across the country.
One Fair Wage Service Worker Emergency Fund – providing cash assistance to restaurant workers, car service drivers, delivery workers, personal service workers and more who need the money they aren’t getting to survive.
COVID-19 Emergency Community Stabilization Fund – Asian Pacific Environmental Network. Asian immigrant and refugee communities are experiencing increased racial profiling and xenophobia. Asian homecare workers are being interrogated, Chinatown businesses are being targeted and people are being assaulted in public places. Most are hourly workers, many have lost their jobs and those who are working can’t afford to take time off. Waiting for federal or state government assistance is not an option. APEN’s COVID-19 Emergency Community Stabilization Fund will distribute mutual aid directly to people in areas where we work that are experiencing the greatest need.
UNITE-HERE – Funds are used to help hospitality workers maintain family health insurance coverage during layoffs or reduced hours; pay for food, rent, and utilities; replace wages lost due to reduced hours and tips; and retrain for new jobs during the business downturn.
Movimiento Cosecha Undocumented Worker Fund – providing direct relief to undocumented workers and their families. Movimiento Coshecha is a national immigrant-led movement fighting for permanent protection, dignity, and respect for all undocumented immigrants. 100% of donations to the fund are redistributed to immigrants affected by the current crisis.
Movement for Justice in El Barrio (New York City) – a mutual aid fund for immigrant fmailies in East Harlem.
Relief Funds for Undocumented Workers in California – an extensive listing of relief funds for undocumented immigrant workers and their families in several communities and cities throughout California.