PRESS STATEMENT: Aliento helps more than 100 mixed status + immigrant families across the Nation

PHOENIX, AZ. - Since announcing the Relief Fund for Mixed-Status Families, Aliento has helped more than 100 families across Arizona and other states across the nation. Starting last week, Aliento notified families that had filled out a survey and expressed need of financial assistance and were left out from the CARES Act.  Aliento’s initial goal was to support 50 mixed status and immigrant families, through the contributions made by the community, a local and a national partner we surpassed our original goal. Now, we will support 225 families and are currently in communication with the second wave to get money in the hands of 125 more families.

Jose Patiño, Aliento’s Education + Advocacy Director, has been working around the clock to get money in the hands of over 120 families across the country as soon as possible. We have heard from families in Puerto Rico, Illinois, Massachusetts, Texas, and California. “Our goal is to help over 200 mixed status and immigrant families with $500 cash assistance payments. These families were left out by Congress and are in dire need of support to pay rent, bills, and put food on the table for their children and family.” 

This morning, we received messages from families who had already received their checks. 

An undocumented mother from Puerto Rico stated, “ I wanted to let you know that the money is now in my son’s account and tomorrow we will be sending out our payment for our rent. Thanks to everyone who helped, God bless you!!!” 

A Dreamer in Arizona stated, “I work two full-time jobs, but due to COVID-19, they furloughed from one of my jobs and they cut my hours from another. I am also a student in the bilingual nursing program at SMCC. Due to not working full-time, I did not have the money to choose my classes for the summer. You all know that they charge us so much money for classes. I did not want to stop taking classes next semester and I was asking God for help to be able to keep taking classes. So I applied for financial assistance and I received it. Thank you! I thank you with all my heart.”

Every contribution is critical in ensuring mixed-status families have a roof over their head, can keep their lights on and have food on their table. We know that economic uncertainty leads to a deterioration of mental health and affects the home ecosystem of our families.

We are continue to raise funds to meet the high demand, visit: https://bit.ly/relief4mix 

Aliento is asking people who are part of a mixed-status/undocumented family in Arizona, or if they know anyone in Arizona or in remote areas who has been left out of the stimulus package have them fill out the following survey: https://bit.ly/comunidadaz