How does the Fund help undocumented immigrants?
The Fund assists undocumented individuals and families who have lost their homes, wages, and/or employment due to disasters with expenses including but not limited to temporary housing, home repairs, rent, groceries, childcare expenses due to disaster related school closure, essential household items, clean-up items, medical and dental expenses, tools and equipment required for work, school supplies, repair of essential vehicles, moving and storage expenses, legal document replacement and funeral and burial expenses. The 805 UndocuFund will also help affected undocumented individuals and families access other community resources to provide some economic relief.
Who is involved?
The 805 UndocuFund is a 501 c(3) and a collective effort among Ventura and Santa Barbara County-based grassroots community organizations that have a solid reputation, strong track record, and are known and trusted by many undocumented residents: Mixteco/Indigenous Community Organizing Project (MICOP), the Central Coast Alliance United for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE), and Future Leaders of America (FLA) with leadership support provided by the McCune Foundation.
What is your fundraising goal?
During the Thomas Fire and Montecito Mudslides, the 805 UndocuFund raised over $2 million. During the COVID -19 response, 805 UndocuFund and philanthropic partners raised over $4 million in response to COVID-19.
Why do you need a fund specifically for undocumented immigrants?
Unlike other natural disaster victims, undocumented immigrants do not qualify for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), unemployment benefits and many public safety net programs. Even when they or their children are eligible for disaster relief services, their lack of immigration status, limited English proficiency, and fear of immigration enforcement prevent them from seeking assistance. Their discomfort or lack of familiarity with law enforcement, county government, mainstream aid organizations and the current political climate present additional barriers that prevent them from seeking assistance.
How many undocumented immigrants are affected?
We estimate that nearly 90,000 undocumented immigrants live and work in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties.
Undocumented immigrants predominantly work in sectors that have been and will continue to be hard hit by wildfire and other disasters, including service and hospitality, restaurants, child and elder care, day labor, and agriculture. Many lose wages in the weeks following natural disasters, and others work for companies whose operations are affected at varying levels, from temporary disruption to complete loss.
Who is eligible for support from the 805 UndocuFund?
Undocumented immigrants, including mixed-status families, who are residents of Ventura or Santa Barbara Counties who have experienced loss of housing, job, or income are eligible for assistance. We are not accepting new applicants affected by the Thomas Fire, Montecito Mudslides, Woolsey, Hill, Easy or Maria Fires at this time. Unfortunately, due to limited capacity we cannot provide grants to individuals who live outside of Ventura or Santa Barbara Counties. We are, however, working in collaboration with organizations across the state working to assist impacted immigrant families in their regions.
What is the application process?
The streamlined application process utilizes a simple intake form, which is completed by volunteers and community partner organizations. Volunteers and staff have been specifically trained on the 805 UndocuFund intake and referral process. Once an application has been submitted, it undergoes a review process that includes verification and other due diligence.
We have recently implemented an online application process to streamline and simplify the application submission for prospective candidates. However, we continue holding in-person application clinics to ensure equitable access to our funds.
Who oversees the 805 UndocuFund?
The Board of Directors, made up of leadership from nonprofit organizations Mixteco/Indigenous Community Organizing Project (MICOP), the Central Coast Alliance United for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE), and Future Leaders of America (FLA) with leadership support from the McCune Foundation has established the eligibility criteria, developed a streamlined application process, and put in place verification procedures, as well as guidelines for determining disaster relief aid.
How does the 805 UndocuFund guard against fraud?
A set of procedures are in place to ensure that funds go to families and individuals who meet the eligibility criteria. Provision of false information will result in immediate disqualification for assistance. Due diligence involves checking more than one source to confirm applicants’ identities and how they have been impacted by the fires.
Is my donation tax deductible?
Yes, your donation is made to a 501(c)(3) organization and is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Are you accepting donations of water, clothing, furniture etc.?
No, thank you.
How can I support the 805 UndocuFund?
- Tell your friends, family and colleagues to donate.
- More information at 805UndocuFund.org/Donate
- Like our Facebook page (doing so helps us reach more people.)
- Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn
- Sign up to volunteer here: Volunteer Application
- Hold a Fund Drive!
For more information, contact Primitiva Hernandez at executivedirector@805undocufund.org or (805)200-8471