Gift Card Distribution Helps Alexandria Immigrant Families

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Tenants and Workers United (TWU) distributed gift cards Friday to 100 low-income immigrant families affected by the economic impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.

The distribution sought to help families, as many in the community lost jobs and are struggling with finances. Undocumented immigrants are not eligible for the federal stimulus payments through the CARES Act. The gift cards were purchases from local stores so families can obtain food and other essentials.

"We are going through a really difficult time and our undocumented immigrant community needs support from all of us," said Evelin Urrutia, executive Director of TWU. "There is strength in unity. Our families were already living in extremely difficult economic situations before this pandemic, and we know that now this is only making things much worse. We all have a right to have a roof over our heads, to receive medical attention, and to have a plate of food at the table."

The gift cards were provided with help from businesses, foundations and individual donors. Large contributions came from ACT for Alexandria, the Consumer Health Foundation, and Food Star Supermarket. TWU is one of the recipients of ACT for Alexandria's ACT Now COVID-19 Response Fund. The fund provides emergency funding to nonprofits delivering critical services during the crisis. TWU continues to seek donations to help families purchase essential items.

Another COVID-19 Response Fund recipient supporting immigrant families is Casa Chirilagua. The faith-based nonprofit is supporting families in the largely Latino Arlandria/Chirilagua neighborhood with the priority concern being financial assistance to help pay rent or utilities.