We all like to say that this disease doesn't discriminate. But in a deeply unjust healthcare system, COVID-19 is hyper-targeted at communities of color, low-income communities, immigrant communities, and those working on the frontlines.

Right now, residents in Chelsea are being told to stay inside 24 hours a day. There are 96 cases in the city per 10,000 residents — the highest proportion anywhere in the state, and a higher proportion than even New York City. The next highest rate in the state is 60 cases per 10,000 residents. Overwhelmingly, these hotspots are communities of color.

Why? Because generations of systemic injustice compound all the risk factors for COVID-19. Discrimination in housing, health care, transportation, and environmental policy puts black and brown families directly in harm's way – working jobs that don't give sick days, taking public transit that doesn't offer adequate protection, breathing polluted air that weakens hearts and lungs.

In Chelsea, a group of local residents, leaders and organizations have stepped up to provide support and access to food and shelter, in what is becoming an increasingly acute crisis. Will you join me in supporting the Chelsea Collaborative, which is helping run this effort on the ground?

Donate to the Chelsea Collaborative

Join me in giving to families in one
of Massachusetts's hardest-hit areas.

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Chelsea has one of the largest immigrant populations in the state. This means many families are restricted from traditional public benefits and nutrition assistance – and are afraid of seeking the care they need because of fear they could be deported.

We need to step up for them. Not only because it is the right thing to do. But because taking care of each other – and taking care of those especially vulnerable at this moment – is the only way we will get through this crisis.

Communities like Chelsea are home to the workers carrying what is left of our economy right now – the first responders, grocery workers, delivery men and women, transit workers, janitors, and countless others.

We need them. And right now they need us.

If you can, please consider pitching in to this community. We'll get through this together.

Donate to the Chelsea Collaborative

Donate