Don't let equity gaps in the BCD widen
Building Healthy Communities, Working to Close Equity Gaps
Our community impact analysis found that residents of the Bend Central District's census tract are twice as likely to live in poverty as residents throughout Bend.
The BCD census tract also has three times as many Hispanic and/or Latinx residents than the City as a whole, and throughout Oregon, these communities are being disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.
While most Americans are receiving stimulus checks to help with the fallout from the coronavirus pandemic, many families are left behind. Undocumented immigrants, tax-paying immigrants with legal status, and many mixed-status families will not receive this much-needed cash infusion to cover rent, utilities, and food.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
There are two local funds set up to help our neighbors in these situations. If you can afford to, please consider paying forward some of your stimulus check:
1. Central Oregon Mutual Aid Fund
Embrace Bend & Mecca Bend
https://www.embracebend.com/
With the support and guidance of Latinx community advocates and leaders, Embrace Bend and Mecca Bend have partnered to raise awareness and put together a Mutual Aid Group with an immediate cash relief fund, prioritizing our undocumented, BIPOC, queer, and disabled neighbors. $500/household cash disbursements. No restrictions and no repayment required.
2. COVID-19 Immigrant Family Relief Fund
Latino Community Association
https://latinocommunityassociation.org/
Immigrants are being excluded from federal COVID-19 emergency relief payments. Help us send a clear message to our immigrant friends and neighbors that we value their contributions and we believe their families deserve justice, respect, equity AND economic relief. This fund will disburse up to $750/family in the form of payment for necessities like rent, bills, etc.
WHAT'S NEXT
Get ready to support the Core Area Plan at the City Council meeting on Wednesday, May 20th! I will be hosting an online presentation and Q&A to answer any questions you may have and help you participate.