(above) Summit Interfaith Council photo taken just a few weeks before the pandemic.
Relief Fund to Help Local Immigrants and Families
Submitted by Corey Chivers
Covid-19 has meant that many local immigrants have lost their jobs. For immigrants who are undocumented this means virtually no safety net as without documents you cannot apply for federal relief funds or unemployment. Even though immigrants in the Summit community pay taxes and pay into federal reserves, they are unable to draw from these funds or receive relief.
After receiving concerned messages from the community, the Summit Interfaith Council decided to set up a Covid-19 Relief Fund specifically designated for undocumented immigrants and families. The fund will be allocated similar to the federal relief stimulus with monies given according to individuals as well as children in a household. The Summit Interfaith Council encourages any undocumented immigrant living in Summit to apply. Identities will be protected. Applications can be made by completing the form (surveymonkey.com/r/SW9TM5D) or contacting Janet Maulbeck at jmaulbeck@aol.com.
When discussing the Fund and its vital importance, Summit Interfaith Council President, Rabbi Hannah Orden of Congregation Beth Hatikvah noted, “The Summit Interfaith Council was created well over sixty years ago to ‘seek the welfare of the city.’ Our immigrant neighbors are an integral part of our community, and it is our responsibility to protect and care for the most vulnerable residents of our city.”
Donations to the fund can be made via check addressed to “Summit Interfaith Council” and mailed to 4 Waldron Ave Summit, NJ 07901 or online. All donations are tax-deductible.
For further information please contact Pastor Gladys Moore, Pastorggmoore@stjohnssummit.org.
