Our immigrant friends and neighbors are hurting. The Covid-19 virus deeply affects this community be they in ICE detention, facing devastating job losses or simply being especially fearful to come out of the shadows. They need our help with the following actions:
ICE detainees face many obstacles at the Bergen County Jail. A pressing need is for commissary funds. Everything from phone calls to family to video conferencing with their lawyers costs money, and the prices are notoriously high. There are no visitors allowed in the jail and these contacts are vital. Please support the First Friends Commissary Fund drive on Go Fund Me:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/commissary-funds-for-ice-detainees-in-nj-jails
COFIA (Community of Friends in Action)
Please support this grass roots local Bergen County group that has had a long affiliation with USR. COFIA helps immigrants in many ways but the current pandemic has exacerbated the need – and limited the supply!
Many of their clients are not documented and will not have access to health care, unemployment insurance or even the minimal funds being sent to US citizens. Many live paycheck to paycheck and have lost their jobs. Please consider a donation to COFIA via their website: https://www.cofia-nj.org
Housing and Support for Political Asylees and Asylum Seekers
The Northern New Jersey Sanctuary Coalition is a not-for-profit coalition of societies, religious institutions, and individuals from Northern New Jersey. The Coalition, long supported by the Unitarian Society of Ridgewood, address the needs of political asylees and asylum seekers who have come to our country, escaping dire situations in locations throughout the world.
For more information, or to volunteer with NNJSC contact Elisabeth Ames or visit: www.nnjsanctuary.org
