The Undocumented Workers Relief Fund raises funds for undocumented residents largely left out of any federal stimulus and other relief A relief fund for undocumented residents has raised more than $1.7 million since it
began accepting donations in April. The Arizona Undocumented Workers Relief Fund was established by more than 20 community groups and leaders to address the lack of federal or state relief for undocumented residents, many of whom pay taxes. The funds, which are being held by the Arizona Community Foundation, are being distributed to agencies and non-profit groups that serve undocumented individuals and their families. So far, 3,257 families have received aid from the relief fund. The funds have been used for rent, food and other basic necessities. “We have a number of undocumented communities in this state and many of us recognized that at the state and federal level, these communities would not be receiving any relief,” said State Rep. Raquel Terán (D), who represents parts of west Phoenix. “They don’t qualify for unemployment and they are not going to get a stimulus check or other federal disaster relief.” The coalition includes prominent Latino and non-Latino leaders as well as non-profit advocates. The coalition agreed to use the Arizona Community Foundation as the entity to hold the donated funds before they are distributed to groups working with the undocumented population. “We want to make it very clear that Arizona cannot come back from this crisis if we leave this community behind,” Terán said. “For us, it’s important to send a message that everybody deserves relief.” Donations are being accepted at: https://www.azfoundation.org/Giving/GivingCircles/LatinaGivingCircle/ArizonaUndocumentedWorkersReliefFund.aspx.