Los Angeles Catholics launch fund for immigrant families

Source: Source: Angelus

The Archbishop of Los Angeles, Most Rev José H Gomez, has got together with local business leaders to launch the Family Assistance Program - a new fund aimed at helping families affected by recent immigration raids, Los Angeles Diocesan paper Angelus reports.

Speaking at a press conference at St Patrick's Catholic Church yesterday, Archbishop Gomez said: "This program will provide direct support to families who are suffering financial hardships because of the current climate of uncertainty and fear."

Funds raised by the Program - believed to be the first of its kind in a US Catholic diocese - will support parish-based outreach ministries that have been delivering groceries, meals, medicine, and other essential supplies. Families who need assistance are encouraged to apply by contacting their local parish.

"Our parishes know their people's needs best, and are therefore leading the effort to distribute aid in the most effective and compassionate way possible," said Catherine Fraser, Chief Development Officer for the Archdiocese, who added that the program aims to help people regardless of religious affiliation.

Businesses represented at the event pledged support in various forms. Locally owned Vallarta Supermarkets, a chain of Mexican food grocery stores with 55 locations in California, pledged $10,000 in gift cards to the program. The Beverly Hills Teddy Bear Company donated both money to the fund and stuffed animals for children affected by the raids. Parishioners Federal Credit Union also pledged a cash donation.

The announcement comes as immigrant communities across LA County remain very anxious, following weeks of raids by Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents on local businesses and city sidewalks across Southern California. While the sweeps were temporarily halted by a federal judge's restraining order on 'roving patrols' earlier in July, speakers at the press conference described a "climate of fear" caused by the Trump administration's deportation campaign that hasn't gone away.

"Never in my life did I think that I would see the day where Catholics are afraid to go to church, afraid to send their children to school," said Michael Molina, chairman of the Catholic Association of Latino Leaders (CALL), a local organization of business leaders that has pledged $10,000 to support the fund. Molina said CALL is inviting its members to also donate individually to the fund.

The businesses represented at the event pledged support in various forms. Locally owned Vallarta Supermarkets, a chain of Mexican food grocery stores with 55 locations in California, pledged $10,000 in gift cards to the program. The Beverly Hills Teddy Bear Company donated both money to the fund and stuffed animals for children affected by the raids. Parishioners Federal Credit Union also pledged a cash donation.

Among the speakers at the Wednesday morning event was real estate mogul and former LA mayoral candidate Rick Caruso, who announced a $50,000 up-front donation and a pledge to match every dollar donated on the fund's webpage up to $50,000. In his remarks, Caruso warned that families could end up "on the street" because of immigrant jobs lost due to the raids.

One parishioner said: "This region will not survive without their workforce being part of our economy."

Archbishop Gomez writes on the LA Immigrant Support website: "The vast majority of "illegal aliens" are good neighbours, hard-working men and women, people of faith; they are making important contributions to vital sectors of the American economy: agriculture, construction, hospitality, health care, and more. They are parents and grandparents, active in our communities, charities, and churches"

LINKS

Read the full Angelus News report here: https://angelusnews.com/local/la-catholics/archdiocese-immigration-fund/

LA Immigrant Support: https://lacatholics.org/immigrant-support/