FULL RELEASE: LATINX CONSORTIUM FOR ACTION (LCA) ANNOUNCES CREATION OF NEW COVID-19 EMERGENCY RELIEF FUND FOR THE LATINX COMMUNITY IN DANE COUNTY

 

Latinx are the largest non-white racial/ethnic group in Dane County, WI (35,000) and make up close to 70% of the community in Madison and Fitchburg. This community is uniquely vulnerable to the COVID-19 crisis - 70% of Latinx are renters and almost two out of every five work in the service industry in Dane County. Moreover, nearly 50% of Latinx are uninsured in Wisconsin.

 

This is why we are coming forward now, together, as a consortium of Latinx serving organizations, to announce the creation of a Latinx Consortium for Action (LCA) Emergency Relief Fund that specifically focuses on the needs of the Latinx community..  The fund will prioritize funding emergency relief for our most vulnerable populations: undocumented Latinx workers and small immigrant-owned businesses.

 

While we applaud Dane County efforts to provide an emergency response in light of COVID-19 we know that the Latinx community in Dane County is marginalized due to the national anti-immigrant sentiments, the burden of public charge legislation poised to deny citizenship status to immigrants who use public benefits, and a lack of access to a drivers’ licenses. This has resulted in less trust and engagement between the Latinx community and formal systems of support. 

 

With the creation of the Latinx Consortium for Action Emergency Relief Fund we stand together leveraging our collective trust, knowledge and understanding to help this community navigate the current crisis. The fund stands ready to complement and advance other fundraising efforts related to COVID-19. 

 

To date we have raised $235,000 dollars. Thank you to those who have contributed already including UW Health, SSMH, Group Health Cooperative of South Central Wisconsin, CUNA Mutual Foundation, leaders at J.H. Findorff & Son Inc. and the Boys & Girls Club of Dane County COVID-19 Emergency Fund. Together, we believe we can rise, and equitably support all communities in Dane County.

 

To give to the Latinx Consortium for Action Emergency Relief Fund please click here.

 

*members of the LCA include: Centro Hispano of Dane County, the Latino Chamber of Commerce, Latino Academy of Workforce Development, Latino Health Council, Latino Education Council, Latino Children and Families Council, Latino Professionals Association, Latino Support Network, Common Wealth Development, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Dane County, Voces de la Frontera - Madison, Unidos Against Domestic Violence.

 

PRESS CONTACT: Karen Menendez Coller, karen@micentro.org

 

WEB ADDRESS: http://www.micentro.org/lca-covid-19-relief.html