Report prepared by Kimberly Dominguez Barranco and Joshua Rubenstein

March 15, 2020 – July 31, 2020 by the Numbers

Direct financial assistance disbursed

Rent: $22,710

Safeway Gift Cards: $3,150

Accompaniments Completed

Since March 15, we have accompanied community members through 75 COVID-19 related requests & 8 non-COVID requests

Food boxes (via USDA Farmers to Familes)

1,023 boxes were delivered to 66 households by 30 volunteers in 9 weeks

Resource Access Support Calls

5 volunteers and 2 staff members made 385 Resource Access Support calls to immigrant community members in 5 months

Overview

This pandemic has hit everyone differently, and accompaniments have looked different due to the closures of many government buildings we frequent, as well as the need for new precautions.

The COVID-19 pandemic and resulting economic upheaval have hit undocumented and immigrant communities especially hard. Many immigrant community members within the CCGS network have lost their jobs, housing, and struggle to pay for critical and essential needs. Meanwhile, undocumented folks do not qualify for government aid such as stimulus checks and unemployment.

Nevertheless, we continue to be present with our communities. The Church Council’s Accompaniment network partners with impacted-community-led coalitions, organizations, and individuals in the struggle for the dignity and safety of our immigrant siblings as they navigate the deeply broken and inhumane governmental system. CCGS staff and volunteers have continued walking with our immigrant communities, side by side, through daily life, challenges, and moments of uncertainty As always, we do our very best to listen to our immigrant communities’ needs and adapt our responses as we go.

The Church Council of Greater Seattle has supported community members in a variety of ways as they navigate this crisis. Time and time again, the message of accompaniment resounds: ¡No están solas! – You are not alone!