Immigrants in Houston are facing difficulties during the COVID-19 crisis, as hundreds of domestic workers are being turned away by their employers without any information as to when they will be able to work again.
Cesar Espinosa is the executive director of the immigrants rights organization FIEL.
“For the immigration community in general, this is defining moment for us,” he said, according to KHOU11. “Because their employers are telling them to do so and out of fear they’re intimidating workers to do things that are unsafe or that may not be acceptable.”
For example he said immigrants were asking, “Is it safe to rewash N95 masks?”
Julia de León has worked as a nanny for 13 years. She has worked as a nanny for 13 years, and now is out of work. Her main client said they no longer need her assistance, and her other clients said they don’t need her. They may reconsider when the crisis is over.
The National Domestic Workers Alliance established the Coronavirus Care Fund. It has resources available for nannies, house cleaners, care workers, and for helping them and their families.
Applicants who qualify may receive $400 in emergency assistance.
Harris County has resources available for helping members of the community. The organization Ready Harris encourages those in need to dial 211 for help.
There are resources for families as well as small businesses.
United Way of Greater Houston has other resources available. According to the website 40% of families struggle to make ends meet. These families face a lack of savings. The drastic work, home, and school environment changes can take a big toll on the resources for the families. The helpline is available 24/7 either via text or phone.
The World Health Organization declared the coronavirus as a global pandemic on March 4.
Alerts Sign-up