Hello, my name is Rachel and I am raising emergency funds for Deaf immigrant families in the Twin Cities.

I am a CODA and sign language interpreter and have been helping a few local Deaf families with mutual aid funded grocery runs. It has become clear to me that more help is needed to make sure that these families can cover their rent so that they can safely shelter in place. Because they are Deaf immigrants of color they are constantly in fear for their lives from potential ICE encounters. They are terrified of being racially profiled and expected to comply with verbal orders despite not being able to hear. They are also scared of being denied access to equitable communication via sign language interpreters which is their right under the ADA law. Because of these justified fears - these families have not been able to travel to work safely, to attend school, church, go in for medical appointments, or shop for basic essentials.

I am asking for $6000 to help cover three families’ rent payments for February, household bills, and groceries. Anything raised beyond this amount will be immediately redirected to the local Deaf community (Minnesota Deaf Muslim Community) and TC Food Justice. Thank you for taking the time to understand their reality and thank you for your support. Please share!