(Espanol abajo)
The COVID-19 pandemic has put extraordinary strains on individuals across the Commonwealth. While this crisis has affected all members of our community in some capacity, it has created unique obstacles for immigrant families and workers. To that end, we have compiled a growing list of resources for those in need and those looking to help:
Local resources
- Boston Resource Guide – The City of Boston has put together a list of services that all Boston residents can access, regardless of immigration status, including a multilingual call and text line.
- Massachusetts Resource Guide (English/Spanish) – Lawyers for Civil Rights recently released a thorough compilation of resources available to Massachusetts residents. There is information on health care, food security, unemployment, and many other issues.
- Massachusetts Testing Sites – This is a list of sites across Massachusetts where you can be tested for COVID-19. Please note that testing is by appointment only.
- Mutual Aid Groups (English/Spanish) – Mutual aid initiatives are another great way to find support from your neighbors during this difficult time. These groups can help connect community members who are in need of assistance with tasks such as grocery shopping or childcare.
- Unemployment Benefits Guide (English/Spanish) – Many workers who have lost their jobs are now eligible for unemployment benefits. Greater Boston Legal Services and the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute have created a comprehensive guide to applying for unemployment insurance with the Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance.
- Workers Emergency Relief Funds (multiple languages) – Workers all across the state have experienced loss of wages and jobs. This list has funds for workers from some of the hardest hit sectors, such as the restaurant and hospitality industries.
Donation opportunities
- Cambridge COVID-19 Emergency Fund – Low-income folks are another group within the wider community who are tackling increased obstacles at this time. The Cambridge Community Fund is currently raising funds to support low-income Cambridge residents. Grantees will receive between $200 and $1,000.
- Chelsea Collaborative’s COVID-19 Response Effort – Chelsea has been one of the communities that has been hardest hit during the pandemic. The Chelsea Collaborative is raising funds to help them bring food to families, support immigrants facing evictions, and disseminate critical information about COVID-19.
- Funds for Undocumented Families – Movimiento Cosecha, a national organization with chapters in Massachusetts, is currently collecting funds to distribute to undocumented families to help pay for such necessities as groceries and rent.
- Massachusetts Undocufund – Undocumented residents face additional challenges during the COVID-19 crisis since they are often ineligible for unemployment and other forms of financial assistance. This fund, created by Massachusetts Jobs with Justice, Matahari, and Centro Communitario de Trabajadores, will distribute checks to undocumented individuals in Massachusetts who are experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19.
- Massachusetts African Community Response to COVID-19 – The African Bridge Network is organizing a community campaign to support African immigrant workers. You can donate here.
- Metrowest Worker Center Client Fund – The Metrowest Worker Center, based in Framingham, has started a fund to support their clients, many of whom are asylum-seekers, during this challenging time. This fund will help them access housing, food and shelter.
Despite the many hurdles we face in the midst of this pandemic, we are proud of how our communities are coming together to support one another. Thank you to all the organizations and individuals who are coordinating these fantastic initiatives.
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La pandemia de COVID-19 ha causado mucho estrés para muchos individuos en la comunidad. Mientras el crisis sí ha afectado a todos los miembros de nuestra comunidad, también ha creado obstáculos únicos para familias inmigrantes y trabajadores. Es por eso que hemos compuesto una lista de recursos y la información respectiva para los que necesiten un poco de ayuda y también los que quieran ayudar.
Recursos Locales
- Boston Resource Guide – La ciudad de Boston ha creado una lista de recursos y apoyo a cuales todos los residentes de Boston pueden usar sin importar su estatus migratorio y también incluye una linea de telefono y texto multilingual.
- Massachusetts Resource Guide (Inglés/Español) – Lawyers for Civil Rights recientemente creo una lista de recursos disponibles para residentes de Massachusetts. Hay información sobre servicios médicos, seguridad de comida, desempleo, y más.
- Mutual Aid Groups (Inglés/Español) – Estos grupos también son una forma muy buena para buscar y encontrar apoyo de sus vecinos durante este tiempo difícil. Estos grupos pueden ayudar a conectar a miembros de comunidades en necesidad de apoyo con cosas como compras de despensa o cuidado de niños.
- Unemployment Benefits Guide (Inglés/Español) – Muchos empleados quienes perdieron sus empleos ahora son elegibles para beneficios de desempleo. Greater Boston Legal Services ha creado un guía para aplicar a programas de seguro de desempleo con el Departamento de Asistencia Para Desempleo.
- Workers Emergency Relief Funds (Varios lenguajes) – Empleados en todo el estado han sufrido de pérdida de horas de empleo, o empleo en general. Esta lista tiene fondos para los empleados de los sectores más afectados como restaurantes y hospitales.
Oportunidades Para Donar
- Massachusetts Undocufund – Residentes indocumentados se enfrentan a más obstáculos con la situación de COVID-19 por el hecho de no poder calificar para muchos programas de desempleo y otros tipos de asistencia financiera. Este fondo, creado por Massachusetts Jobs with Justice, Matahari, y Centro Comunitario de trabajadores, distribue cheques a individuales indocumentados en Massachusetts quienes han sufrido financieramente por lo sucedido con COVID-19.
- Cambridge COVID-19 Emergency Fund – Personas de bajo ingreso son parte de otro grupo en la comunidad que ha sentido más los efectos de la pandemia. The Cambridge Community Fund ahora está recaudando fondos para apoyar a residentes de Cambridge quienes son de bajos ingresos. Los recipientes recibirán entre $200 y $1,000.
- Metrowest Worker Center Client Fund – El Metrowest Worker Center, basado en Framingham, a empezado un fondo para apoyar a sus clientes, la mayoría quienes son solicitantes de asilo. Este fondo les ayudará a conseguir despensa y alojamiento.
- Funds for Undocumented Families – Movimiento Cosecha, una organización nacional con divisiones en Massachusetts, está ahora recaudando fondos para distribuirlos a familias indocumentadas para ayudarles a pagar necessidades como renta y despensa.
A pesar de los obstáculos que presenta la situación con COVID-19, estamos orgullosos de que nuestras comunidades se apoyan entre sí mismas. Muchas gracias a todas las organizaciones e individuos quienes han coordinado estas iniciativas fantásticas.