Stimulus checks are being donated to support essential workers & immigrant communities

Over the last week, many Americans received stimulus payments via direct deposit from the IRS; however, many people were left out of this program. While some may still have funds coming eventually, many of those in communities we serve will not. Additionally, some receiving stimulus funding may find that they are fortunate to not need these funds and are looking for a way to help others around them.

Communities across the country are coming together to develop creative ways to pool funds to help those most in need. In Washington, D.C., immigrant advocacy and activist organizations have launched GoFundMe pages, so that people who have received stimulus funds and don’t need them can contribute them to reputable organizations who can pass funds and necessities onto communities who have otherwise been overlooked.

While teachers in San Francisco are working with local immigrant support organizations, teachers in Oakland, CA, have pledged their stimulus checks to support their students who are undocumented through the Stimulus Pledge, which allows people to donate to a fund that will then be distributed by schools based on their understanding of the needs their communities face. One teacher, Frank Lara, a teacher at Buena Vista Horace Mann who created the campaign, said the union plans to distribute the funds in collaboration with District 10 Supervisor Shamann Walton and the community organization, Jobs with Justice, which manages a donation fund for undocumented immigrants.

If your organization or the community you serve is in need, know that there are people out there who want to help, and online crowdfunding platforms may be able to help connect supporters with those in need. 

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