Guide + Resources for DACA/Undocumented and Mixed Status Families in Times of COVID-19
Aliento strives to always host and create spaces where we can safely build community. During these times, we know how difficult this can be for immigrant and mixed status families and the harm it can cause to our mental health. We will continue to update you about any developments that could impact DACA recipients, mixed status families and the greater migrant community.
Aliento’s Mixed-Status Family Relief Fund
In an effort to provide relief and support to mixed-status families, The Aliento team is raising $25,000 to cover costs of rent and utilities of those in need who were left out from the stimulus package. The Aliento team has been working around the clock to create a special tracking system and donate 100% of the fundraised money directly to mixed-status families. We have created an internal rubric to match the great need.
Aliento is asking people who are part of a mixed-status/undocumented family in Arizona, or if they know anyone in Arizona who has been left out of the stimulus package have them fill out the following survey.
DACA Toolkit
BREAKING: As of July 2021 the DACA Program is on hold
Texas Federal Judge Hanen has put the DACA program on hold. Renewals will still be accepted. Initial DACA applicants will be put on hold.
We’ve compiled a comprehensive DACA toolkit where we provide updates on DACA and additional resources. If you’re looking to apply to our DACA renewal fund, a first-time applications guide, and mental health support, be sure to check out the DACA toolkit page!
Mental Health Practices
Here at Aliento, we want to make sure you are feeling supported during these stressful, isolating times. Because there is so much uncertainty occurring around us, we want to remind folks to take care of themselves and their mental health. Here are a few reminders/steps you can take. (adapted from AFSP):
1.Separate what is within your control from what is not.
There are things you can do, and it’s helpful to focus on those. Wash your hands. Remind others to wash theirs. Take your vitamins. Limit your consumption of news.
2. Get outside in nature–or do some fun exercises at home!
Exercise helps both your physical and mental health. Take a walk around your neighborhood (keep in mind #SocialDistancing), step out in your backyard for a few minutes, or have a mini-dance party in your living room.
3. Challenge yourself to stay in the present.
There’s so much going on around us that it’s only natural to start worrying about how it affects us in the future or what has yet to come. When you find yourself worrying about something that hasn’t happened, gently bring yourself back to the present moment. Notice the sights, sounds, tastes and other sensory experiences in your immediate moment and name them. Engaging in mindfulness activities is one way to help stay grounded when things feel beyond your control. Some cool free mindfulness apps to try are Smiling Mind, Stop Breathe & Think, and UCLA Mindful.
4. You are not alone 💛
We’re doing our best to stay active online and put out content to keep you informed, educated, and supported! Also make sure to talk to trusted friends and loved ones about what you are feeling. If you are feeling particularly anxious or if you are struggling with your mental health, it’s ok to reach out to a mental health professional for support. You don’t have to be alone with your worry and it can be comforting to share what you are experiencing with others.
Crisis Text Line: Text TALK to 741741
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK.
For children: children might be responding to the stress around them in different ways such as being more clingy, anxious, angry or agitated, withdrawing, bedwetting, etc. Respond in supportive ways and remind them that they are loved, if possible, try to give them extra attention or time to play/relax.
Source: WHO
What about USCIS? I haven’t received my DACA and it’s expiring soon.
USCIS will be officially closed due to #COVID19 until May 3rd. USCIS states that they will be sending notices to folks with appointments. You can still send in your DACA, just expect some delays. Please be supportive of those who are afraid of becoming undocumented or have a petition waiting.
For more details read USCIS statement and follow Aliento for details & analysis:
COVID- 19
Center For Disease Control and Prevention Guide
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
2-1-1 COVID-19 Hotline
With this hotline launch, Arizonans can get important COVID-19 related information in English and Spanish by simply dialing 2-1-1
Community Resources
Map of Food Banks in and around Mesa
This is a map of food banks providing assistance during the coronavirus pandemic. This map was created by the city of Mesa, Arizona. For questions, email digital@mesaaz.gov
Desert Dewata created a list of school giving out free lunches to children under 18
Feeding Kids in AZ: bit.ly/feedkidsaz
COVID-19 Mutual Aid Group Phoenix Metro Area
Puente and Barrio Café are among the food banks not requiring IDs or other information to receive meals. Other local food banks don’t require legal status but may ask for an ID or proof that you live in the region, such as a utility or similar bill with an address. Contact sites to confirm service times, which may vary because of coronavirus.
Ventanilla de Salud: medical/psychological care, serves anyone regardless of legal status, 602-540-2065.
Mexican Consulate Office: emergency referral services, 520-623-7874 or 602-330-3624.
COVID-19 mutual aid group: (contact to come)
Puente Human Rights: food bank, 10 a.m. Monday mornings, 1937 W. Adams. Text the word “food” or “comida” to 480-506-7437 for information, http://puenteaz.org/
Chef Silvana Salcido Esparza with local restaurants: free meals, 5 p.m. daily, Barrio Café, 2814 N. 16 Street. Phoenix, https://www.instagram.com/chefsilvana/
Harvest Compassion Center: food, hygiene, baby and clothing. Phoenix: 1-602-788-2444; Maryvale: 623-247-0039, https://harvestcompassioncenter.org/
Hope for Hunger: food bank, 602-773-4344, https://phoenixrescuemission.org/hope-for-hunger/
Neighborhood Ministries: food bank, open 9:30-11 a.m. Fridays. 630-561-3009 or 602-332-9790, https://nmphx.com/programs/food-clothing-bank/
St. Vincent de Paul: meals to go, call 602-850-6948 to find local parish, https://www.stvincentdepaul.net/programs/dining-rooms/dining-room-locations.
St. Mary’s Food Bank: mobile food pantry, 480-291-3237. https://www.firstfoodbank.org/
Andre House: meals, 602-255-0580 https://andrehouse.org/covid-19-response/
List of additional Arizona food banks: http://www.azfoodbanks.org/index.php/foodbank
Housing
Governor Ducey Executive Order stopping Evictions
Governor Ducey issued a statewide order providing relief for renters. Landlords will not be able to evict renters if the renters lose their ability to earn income due to the COVID19 crisis. Renters will need to fill out a relief form and get it to their landlords.
Link to USA Today story: https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/real-estate/catherine-reagor/2020/03/27/how-duceys-az-eviction-delay-work-renters-hurt-covid-19/2917164001/
Renters need to complete a form (created by Community Legal Services)
Contact CLS for help filling out form if needed
1+(800) 852-9075
Provide legal form to landlord
Landlord will oblige or he will send the case to the courts (not all eviction postponements will be eligible)
Guidelines on who eviction delays help
A renter required to be quarantined because they have been diagnosed with COVID-19.
A tenant ordered by a licensed medical professional to self-quarantine based on symptoms defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
A renter required to be quarantined because someone in their home has been diagnosed with COVID-19.
A renter demonstrating a health condition that puts them at risk for coronavirus, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
A tenant suffering a substantial loss of income resulting from COVID-19 due to any of the following reasons: job loss, reduction in compensation, closure of place of employment or a need to be absent from work to care for a home-bound school-age child.
2020 Census
Since everyone is staying in their homes, now it’s a perfect time to fill out the census!
Important Dates
Opening Date for the Census: March 12th, 2020
Last Date for the Census: August 14th, 2020
Start your application! *Make sure you have your Census ID ready!
If you have any questions over the Census, check out our FAQ or check out the video our Aliento Team made.
Educational Activities
School Closures: The Ultimate Guide For Working From Home Kids
Created by parents around the world
Teachers Pay Teachers
TpT is the go-to place for educators to find the resources, knowledge, and inspiration they need to teach at their best.
Teaching Tolerance
Teaching Tolerance provides free resources to educators—teachers, administrators, counselors and other practitioners—who work with children from kindergarten through high school. Educators use our materials to supplement the curriculum, to inform their practices, and to create civil and inclusive school communities where children are respected, valued and welcome participants.
Free Ivy League Courses
Aliento is a community immigrant organization that is DACA, undocumented and youth-led. We are directly impacted people and allies who are invested in the well being, emotional healing, and leadership development of those impacted by the inequalities of lacking an immigration status. We are based out of Mesa, Arizona and support families beyond Arizona.
We will be updating this guide frequently given that the news and information on COVID-19 is still developing and being released. If you find this guide helpful, make sure to share it with your friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers.
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