Mass UndocuFund is sunsetting our COVID-relief fund in 2023
We are no longer accepting new donations for Mass UndocuFund, but we’re continuing the fight for immigrant justice. Join us by donating to Massachusetts Jobs with Justice today!
We began Mass UndocuFund at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown in March 2020. We came together in a time of crisis to confront our fears and move into action. Four years later, we’re reaching out to let you know that it is time to formally sunset Mass UndocuFund and to ask you to transition your donations to our organization Mass Jobs with Justice where we will continue to lead the fight for economic, racial and reproductive justice.
We are so proud and honored to have reached more than 15,000 immigrant families, conducted more than 4,800 intakes with families and delivered more than $1,634,600 in direct financial assistance to these families across the state. There is so much to highlight about our hard work—here are some of our biggest achievements:
Led our coalition and community in a moment of crisis, starting the very first Covid-relief fund in the state giving directly to workers and community members
Built a working partnership of over 13 immigrant rights organizations and worker centers across the Commonwealth
Trained and built leadership of more than 90 volunteers, many of whom who were directly affected by immigration issues, who facilitated one on one conversations with Mass UndocuFund families, facilitated direct assistance into the recipients’ hands, and shared resources with them
Built a data encrypted database to securely receive and maintain sensitive information regarding Mass UndocuFund families
Outreached to more than 15,000 immigrant families via social media, television, ethnic television, relationships with movement partners and coalition members, and word of mouth
Fundraised more than $1.6 million in grants and individual donations, with an average individual contribution of $134.26
Created and maintained a Resource Guide and a list of Emergency Relief Funds which our volunteers translated to more than eight languages to help community members to find resources and other forms of mutual or direct aid in their city or town
Built a supportive space for all where volunteers, workers & artists shared the proceeds from Forro dance classes, a Children’s book about migration, improv shows, Roller Derby matches, and many more creative ideas and projects
We accomplished all of this, thanks to you, and we hope you join us for the path forward. As of Jan 1, 2024 your monthly recurring donations to Mass UndocuFund will end and we will begin to sunset our fund. Today we’re asking you to transition your monthly donations to Mass Jobs with Justice-- Will you join us in becoming a Mass Jobs with Justice sustainer or giving a one time donation to MA UF?
The Need
The MassUndocufund For Covid-19 Relief in Massachusetts Is Currently Raising Funds To Assist The Victims Of Covid-19 Pandemic, Which Has Caused Thousands Of Undocumented Workers to Lose Their Jobs And Livelihood Across The State
The number of families impacted is still unknown as the business closures and more social distancing measures are being ordered. However, the impact is real and for undocumented families, federal help is not available. An estimated 250,000 undocumented immigrants live and work in Massachusetts. Unlike other pandemic victims, undocumented immigrants do not qualify for federal assistance such as FEMA nor Unemployment benefits.
Even when they or their children are eligible for resources and services, their lack of immigration status, limited English proficiency, and fear of immigration enforcement prevent them from seeking assistance. Their fear, discomfort or lack of familiarity with law enforcement, county government, and mainstream aid organizations present additional barriers. In addition, many fundraisers from non-profits, local government, and individuals/groups have barriers that prevent undocumented families from applying, such as communication and translation to outreach and relationships with immigrant communities. At every turn, our undocumented neighbors face barriers and challenges to recovering from the pandemic.
MassUndocuFund is a partnership among Massachusetts-based grassroots immigrant organizations and workers centers that have a solid reputation, strong track record, and are known to and trusted by many undocumented residents, including Massachusetts Jobs with Justice, MataHari Women’s Worker Centers, and One Fair Wage. The MassUndocuFund is supported by a large network of immigrant-serving organizations that have close ties to immigrant communities across Massachusetts and that helped publicize the fund and identify eligible individuals and families. As a result, the MassUndocuFund is more likely to reach undocumented pandemic victims than other relief efforts.
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