Yesterday NYCC members came together for a day of mourning and action. In 8 locations across NYC and Long Island we held vigils in memory of those we lost to COVID 19. And we raised our voices to fight for those of us who will die if we continue to be left out of the recovery.

We also released a new report: Cuomo’s Cruelty: How New York’s Governor Abandoned Undocumented New Yorkers. Click here to read our report.

COVID-19 is disproportionately killing and impacting those living in low-income and immigrant communities. Undocumented immigrants are facing devastating job loss without access to unemployment benefits or federal stimulus. Undocumented workers represent an inordinate share of the workforce in the essential services industry, and are in the frontline of the crisis with virtually no protections. Despite paying $11.74 billion in taxes each year, undocumented workers have been left with virtually no relief

So far NYCOFI has distributed more than $25,000 in direct relief. 86% of applicants to the fund reported that they were ineligible for unemployment insurance or any government stimulus payments. 94% stated there were no partners or family members in the house with work. 69% have children to provide for, with almost all applicants expressing an inability to pay rent or purchase food.

And the crisis worsens every day. 1 in 4 New Yorkers did not pay their rent this month and June 1st is right around the corner. NYCOFI is preparing to make a second round of relief payments shortly, but more funds are needed. Click here to contribute.

Our communities need government-scale solutions for renters and undocumented people. We will continue to raise money and to fight until President Trump or Governor Cuomo enacts a recovery for all.