Longwood chips in emergency aid for undocumented Delawareans

The new, grassroots-led Delaware Immigrant Fund is distributing $20,000 in its first round to 40 families across the state to help them pay their rent, utilities and other emergency needs. The org reports that 95% of recipients, who are all undocumented Delawareans, had been laid off and/or lost work hours or wages due to COVID-19.

About 200 donors donated $27,682 in the first two weeks — and The Longwood Foundation more than doubled that amount with a $30,000 donation.

More funds are needed to meet the needs of the applicants. In the first two weeks, more than 300 people applied for $239,000 in emergency financial relief aid.

“We are receiving several calls and applications each day and the need is great,” said Safe Communities Coalition co-chair Dalissy Washington. “We’re extremely grateful for Longwood Foundation’s support. We’ll need much more public and private sector investment to address the enormous impact of COVID-19 among the immigrant community in Delaware.”

Undocumented immigrants, who work in many industries in the state, including healthcare, manufacturing and agriculture, have been named a population that is vulnerable to COVID-19 in Delaware.

To donate or apply, go to immigrantfundde.org.