Thousands of undocumented immigrants have been unable to reach the nonprofit organizations that give aid of $ 500 from the Disaster Relief Fund for Immigrants Affected by COVID-19 (DRAI), established by the Governor of California, Gavin Newsom, for two days. .

"I feel disappointed. I'm calling and calling since yesterday and nobody answers the phones, ”says Martina Avila Méndez, a street vendor of tacos and hot dogs.

Since the health emergency was declared, she and her husband can no longer sell on the streets of Los Angeles.

“My husband has just been diagnosed with diabetes due to so much stress. Depression is hitting me, and out of nowhere I start crying. We already owe a month of rent. I don't know how we are going to do to pay for the month of June ”.

In April Governor Gavin Newsom announced a $ 75 million fund to support around 150,000 immigrants who did not qualify for the Economic Stimulus Plan check, and that they were impacted on their income by the coronavirus.

The impact of the coronavirus will be uneven in the markets as the contagion advances throughout the planet.
No one answers the phones at CHIRLA and CARECEN. (EFE Photo)

The official day to start receiving DRAI applications was Monday, May 18, but many immigrants reported that they were never answered on the phones of the Coalition for the Rights of Immigrants (CHIRLA); and in CARECEN, they did answer them, but they put them on waiting lines, and after hours of being on the phone waiting to speak to someone, the calls were cut.

"I think that help is ‘pure finger gruel’. I am disappointed, and I feel humiliated to be begging for those $ 500, "says Martina.

CHIRLA posted on Twitter at the end of the day, May 18, that they helped 688 residents of Orange and Los Angeles counties.

The organization CARECEN in Los Angeles posted on Twitter that they received 50,000 calls the first day, which saturated their phone lines.

"We understand the frustration of the communities and we are doing the best we can," they said.

But with each passing day, helplessness and frustration grow among immigrants affected by lack of income due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Street vendors among those most affected by the lack of income. (Aurelia Ventura / The Opinion

Ignacia Sánchez, a tamale vendor, has been on the phone for two days at CHIRLA and CARECEN, the two organizations authorized by the state to deliver DRAI funds to Latinos in Los Angeles and Orange counties.

"I don't know why they don't answer the phone. They're just cheating on us. If we had a job, we wouldn't ask them for anything"

Ignacia and her husband, who earns a living as a day laborer, have been unable to work since March. "Our situation is critical, we will continue trying to be answered."

Despite the technical difficulties faced, CHIRLA, CARECEN and the Asian Americans Advancing Justice (AAAJ) organization served 1,644 residents of Los Angeles and Orange counties on the first day of the DRAI program. These people will receive around $ 822,500 in supports.

"We knew that with at least 2.4 million undocumented immigrants in California, the response to the DRAI program would be unprecedented. ”CHIRLA director Angélica Salas said in a statement.

Angélica Salas, director of CHIRLA, says they try to do the best they can to meet the high demand. (Courtesy Tessie Borden / CHIRLA)

CHIRLA announced that the first family they helped is of mixed status, with a husband who is a permanent resident; and the wife, undocumented. They usually make a living as corn vendors on the streets, but neither has been able to work in three months.

This family is expected to receive a debit card with the help of the state government in the following days.

Nonprofits handle financial aid application calls from 9 a.m. at 5 p.m., Monday through Friday through June 30.

"We are working diligently to help as many people as we can, and dealing with technical problems that may arise," says Salas.

Stewart Kwoh, founder of AAAJ, says that as soon as the phone lines were opened, thousands rushed to call for help. "It is clear that much more help is needed to assist our immigrant communities who are suffering in the midst of this crisis."

Martha Arévalo, director of CARECEN, affirms that seeing so many people trying to apply for aid the first day, showed them that the need is great. "We are going to work to assist as many people as we can."

Latino unemployment Coronavirus
Many Latinos were very frustrated that they were unable to contact CHIRLA and CARECEN for the governor's help. (Getty Images)

The opinion He contacted CHIRLA and CARECEN to ask them what is the budget that the state government assigned to each organization; how many people are they going to help; how many staff do they have to answer phones; and once the aid application is submitted, how long will it take to deliver the money to the applicant.

They were also asked why preference is being given in assisting those who work for them or have membership with their organizations; and if there is some way or mechanism so that people do not have to waste days on phone calls.

However, press spokespersons replied that all interviews related to the issue must be approved by the state government.

Meanwhile, immigrant families are desperate because their phone calls don't go to nonprofits.

"In two days, no one has answered us, and that makes us very sad. We are asking for help because there is no work during the pandemic. We will keep calling, but we no longer have any illusions”Says Lourdes Vázquez, who is dedicated to childcare, and has been in the country for 25 years.

California Governor Aid is for those who did not receive federal assistance. (Getty Images)

Assistance for Immigrants Affected by Coronavirus will provide qualified immigrants, a one-time payment of $ 500 and up to $ 1,000 per household. Applicants must provide valid information and documents that prove identity, address, and demonstrate that the coronavirus impacted their employment.

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