Support Migrant Farmers After the Fire

This population needs our support in a massive way right now and the need is urgent. 


The migrant farmer and undocumented population in Jackson County in Southern Oregon that has been devastated by the fires is left virtually unaccounted for and untouched by federal disaster relief money from FEMA.  Their lack of privilege and  government recognition make them more vulnerable and in need than ever right now.

http://uneteoregon.org   UNETE: Farm Worker and Immigrant Advocacy is working on the ground in the Jackson County.

 In speaking with the folks in Ashland,  I learned that 9 entire trailer parks have been wiped out (over 500 homes= thousands of humans)- an number not being counted by FEMA relief, because trailer parks do not count as homes in their eyes. This is thousands of people, many of whom do not speak English, without home, food, income. 

This population is most vulnerable now (and always). Hundreds of families are displaced, afraid to be found if they are undocumented, without "homeowners insurance" or any official recourse whatsoever for support. 

This report from a contact in Ashland: 

" I met with Dagoberto and Kathy from UNETE last night and a few others to strategize about the migrant worker relief work.

What I learned is that UNETE is working directly with families getting them grocery gift cards, small cash payments for essentials or a couple of nights at a hotel, help replacing critical medications, and helping to get people’s specific needs met. For example, a family that has an older son who needs #6 adult diapers brought to them. Someone is going to work on organizing a spreadsheet where they can list specific special needs and volunteers can go get that stuff and deliver it. They will also coordinate on people with special needs kids who really need stable housing.

UNETE is working on basic immediate needs now, and then will soon begin helping folks apply for state and federal aid. Many of their folks don’t have SSNs and it looks like those people won’t be eligible for govt assistance. So UNETE will also be focusing on how to get more resources to those families."

Money is needed for all of this work. 

Please give today. This community needs and deserves all of the support we can offer.

I am Sarah Byrden and live in Santa Fe NM-  Ashland/Jackson County is a community that has given much to me that I care deeply about. 100% of these funds will be  donated to to UNETE.