RI Launches 'weR1' Fund To Benefit Undocumented Immigrants

Woonsocket RI

19 June, 2020

4:46 PM

Description

WOONSOCKET, RI — Gov. Gina Raimondo is looking to shine a light of support on undocumented immigrants "working in the shadows"during the coronavirus health emergency through a fund that will help provide for those typically ineligible for federal assistance programs. Raimondo during her news conference on Friday announced the creation of the "weR1 Rhode Island Fund" that she said hopes will generate more than $3 million in donations to be distributed in the form of $400 debit cards to those who helped take care of their neighbors across the state over the past three months. "One group that has been hit the hardest during this is the immigrant population and the undocumented workers of Rhode Island," Raimondo said. "It isn't right. These are folks who, for all practical purposes, are Rhode Islanders. They live in our community. They work in our hospitals, our nursing homes, our grocery stores, and they send their kids to Rhode Island schools. They are suffering. "That is not right. Not in Rhode Island. We are a state of community caring where neighbors look out for neighbors. These folks deserve our support." Raimondo said the state is partnering with Dorcas International and Good World to coordinate the donations and distribute the debit cards. Larger donations can be made through the Rhode Island Foundation. Donations can be made by texting "weR1" to 27126. "If you are in position to help — if you are one of the lucky ones to get through this with a job — I am asking you to help us out," she said. "If you can give $10, give $10. If you can give $100,000, give $100,000. If you are a corporation, or very wealthy, and can send a half million, send it." She said initial donations are helping the fund launch with $600,000 already raised. "The money goes to the most basic necessities," she said. For more on the weR1 Rhode Island Fund, visit the Rhode Island Foundation here. More Patch Reopening RI Coverage: What To Expect In Phase 3 Of Reopening In RI Rhode Island Gears Up For In-Person School In The Fall RI Lawmakers Approve Supplementary Budget