Language Access: Translation and Interpretation Policies and Practices

created to assist local government administrators, policymakers, and others who are looking for ways to provide high-quality and cost-effective translation and interpretation services.
Practitioners’ Corner Archive
Centralizing Translation Across Agencies Through Computer Assisted Translation (CAT)
Testing and Training Volunteer Translators and Interpreters
Top 10 Best Practices for Multilingual Websites
Doing More with Less on Language Access
How to Assess the Effectiveness of Language Access Programs
Drafting RFP and Contracts for Language Access Services
Tips for Testing and Certifying Multilingual Employees
Tips for Ensuring Translation Quality

Culturally and Linguistically Competent Nursing Care – Free Online Course

From Think Cultural Health – As healthcare disparities among cultural minority groups persist in our country, culturally and linguistically appropriate services (CLAS) are increasingly recognized as an important strategy for improving quality of care to diverse populations. This e-learning program will equip you with the knowledge, skills, and awareness to provide the best care for all patients, regardless of cultural or linguistic background. This e-learning program is grounded in the HHS Office of Minority Health’s National Standards for Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS) in Health and Health Care.

SCC Cultural Communities Wellness Program (CCWP)

A Family Outreach and Engagement Program (formerly known as ECCAC or Ethnic and Cultural Communities Advisory Committee) providing linguistic and culturally competent outreach, education, advocacy and peer support to ethnic communities. The goals are to reduce the stigma and increase understanding of behavioral health issues, increase willingness to seek help, and access to services. CCWP staff is multicultural and multilingual, representing at least 10 cultural communities, and speaking at least 12 languages. There are 7 CCWP teams:
African Heritage Community |
African Immigrant Community (Eritrean, Ethiopian, and Somali) |
Chinese Community |
Filipino Community |
Latino Community |
Native Family Community | and
Vietnamese Community |
Formerly ECCAC
Multi-language:
Language Assistance Services

Multi-Lingual Counseling Center

In recognizing the need for cultural and language specific mental health services in the Bay Area and lack of multi-lingual speaking counselors, we created Multi-lingual Counseling Center to serve the needs of growing multi-lingual community. Our mission is to provide mental health services and treatment to individuals suffering from different mental health symptoms such as depression, PTSD, Bipolar, anxiety, ADHD and all other mental health
Diagnosis. Multi-language: Dari, Farsi.

Archive – COVID-19 Vaccination Shots Now Available for Children Ages 5-11 in Santa Clara County

11/3/21 SCC is now providing COVID-19 vaccinations for children ages 5-11. Currently, the Pfizer vaccine is the only option for this newly approved age group, which numbers just over 167,000 members of our community. All children ages 5-11 who sign up for an appointment are eligible.
Parents and guardians should visit www.sccfreevax.org to sign up for an appointment or to find a convenient drop-in location. Vaccines for children ages 5-11 are smaller doses and specially formulated. Families are also encouraged to check with their primary care physician or their local pharmacy about vaccine appointments for children. Multi-language:
Spanish |
Vietnamese |
Chinese |
Tagalog |

Suicide Prevention Muslim Community Action Guide

Muslims are not immune to mental illness. Even though suicide is disallowed in strong language in the Qur’an (see 4:29; 2:195), it does not diminish the fact that countless Muslims struggle every day with suicidal thoughts.
While you may not be trained as a mental health
professional, this guide is meant to equip you with the
knowledge and tools to better prevent, intervene, and
address suicide in your community and help save lives.

FREE Bilingual Children’s Picture Dictionary – Clothes

Learn types of clothing with this bilingual children’s picture dictionary. Free download in:
English/Afrikaans, English/Albanian, English/Amharic, English/Arabic Egyptian, English/Arabic Formal, English/Arabic Gulf, English/Arabic Levantine, English/Arabic Maghrebi, English/Armenian, English/Azerbaijani, English/Basque, English/Belarusian, English/Bengali, English/Bosnian, English/Bulgarian, English/Burmese (Myanmar),
English/Catalan, English/Chinese Mandarin, Traditional, English/Chinese Simplified Mandarin, English/Chinese Traditional Cantonese, English/Chinese Traditional Mandarin (Taiwan), English/Croatian, English/Czech, English/Danish, English/Dari, English/Dutch,English/Estonian, English/Finnish, English/Flemish (Belgian), English/French, English/French Canadian, English/Georgian, English/German, English/Greek, English/Gujarati, English/Haitian Creole, English/Hebrew, English/Hindi, English/Hungarian, English/Icelandic, English/Indonesian, English/Irish Gaelic, English/Italian, English/Japanese, English/Kannada, English/Kazakh, English/Khmer, (Cambodian), English/Korean, English/Kurdish, English/Lao (Laotian), English/Latvian, English/Lithuanian, English/Macedonian, English/Malay, English/Malayalam, English/Maltese, English/Marathi, English/Mongolian, English/Nepali
English/Norwegian, English/Pashto, English/Persian (Farsi), English/Polish, English/Portuguese (Brazil)
English/Portuguese (Portugal), English/Punjabi
English/Romanian, English/Russian, English/Serbian Cyrillic, English/Serbian Latin, English/Slovak, English/Slovenian (Slovene), English/Shanghainese
English/Sinhala, English/Somali, English/Spanish (Castilian), English/Spanish (Latin America), English/Swahili, English/Swedish, English/Swiss, French, English/Swiss German, English/Swiss Italian,
English/Tagalog, English/Thai, English/Tamil,
English/Telugu, English/Tigrinya, English/Turkish,
English/Ukrainian, English/Urdu, English/Uzbek,
English/Vietnamese, English/Welsh, English/Xhosa, English/Yoruba, English/Zulu

Muslim American Society-Social Services Foundation (MAS-SSF)

10/21 The (MAS-SSF) offers peer mental health and social support services in five languages: English, Dari/Farsi, Pashto, Arabic, and Urdu. Support Services in-person, on the phone, and over the internet include: * A completely confidential and HIPAA-compliant peer mental health service that gives you the ability to interact with a dedicated peer specialist from virtually anywhere. Call 916 486-8626, Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm * Email MAS-SSF at counseling@mas-ssf.org

Amala Hopeline for Muslim Youth

10/21 If you are feeling sadness, anxiety, fear, or any emotions that you need to process, please call Amala Hopeline. We aim to provide a culturally competent, confidential, and non-judgmental counseling and resource referral over the phone. We are available Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays from 6PM-10PM. Please give us a call, we are here for you. 855-95-Amala

CDC Guidance for Refugees Upon Arrival in the United States

2021 Refugees come from diverse regions of the world, and professionals working with them need to understand the health risks, including the risk of COVID-19, in the countries from which they are departing. One resource is CDC’s Travel Health Notices, which are resources for travelers, including refugees, to help understand the risk of COVID-19 in destinations around the world. Learn how CDC determines the level of a destination’s COVID-19 Travel Health Notice. Multi-language: :Welcome Booklet for Refugees Amharic, Arabic Burmese, Dari, Farsi, French, Haitian, Karen, Kinyarwanda, Nepali, Pashto, Portuguese, Russian, Somali, Spanish, Swahili, Tigrinya Ukrainian

STAND TOGETHER: Welcoming Muslim Refugees in Challenging Times

2016 This guide was created for advocates, service providers, and supporters like yourself as a tool to address
this backlash toward refugees and Muslim Americans, and to help you proactively engage with community leaders and neighbors. Through the messages, sample conversations, story ideas, and worksheets in this toolkit, we will help you develop straightforward yet persuasive language to use in the spoken or written communications you use in your work to support the needs of your whole community,

A Mental Wellness Activity Book for ASIAN AMERICANS

The University of Connecticut’s Asian and Asian American Studies Institute has partnered with the #IAMNOTAVIRUS campaign and the Asian American Literary Review to provide students with this Mental Health Workbook. With the way that the world is now, many of us are struggling. Wellness and mental health are not often recognized as important issues for Asian Americans and we are 3 times less likely to seek mental health services than our White peers. At the Institute we believe that Asian American Studies is good for your health because it connects you to the history, culture, and politics of the life and struggle of our communities.

Peninsula Rides San Mateo County Senior Mobility Guide

Peninsula Rides provides information about transportation options to people with mobility challenges so they can get around in and beyond San Mateo County.
Learn more about the 30+ transit options available to you, both public and private, in one easy-to-search website.
interactive “Find Your Ride” tool
Multi-language:
Spanish |
Chinese | Key Words: AFN, transportation

Center for Empowering Refugees and Immigrants (CERI)

9/15/21 Hiring Dari/Pashto speaking Therapist to serve arriving Afghan Refugees. Founded in 2005 by a group of bilingual/bicultural mental health professionals, CERI provides culturally-relevant mental health and other social services. We are dedicated to transforming the lives of refugees and immigrants and their families, many of whom suffer from weakening intergenerational relationships, layers of complex needs, and exposure to violence and trauma both in their current environments and in their native countries.

Racial Equity Institute

AN ALLIANCE OF TRAINERS, ORGANIZERS, AND INSTITUTIONAL LEADERS WHO HAVE DEVOTED OURSELVES TO THE WORK OF CREATING RACIALLY EQUITABLE ORGANIZATIONS AND SYSTEMS. WE HELP INDIVIDUALS AND ORGANIZATIONS DEVELOP TOOLS TO CHALLENGE PATTERNS OF POWER AND GROW EQUITY.

Welcome to the United States: A Guidebook for Refugees

2012 The Welcome set is comprised of two COR Center resources: Welcome to the US: A Guidebook for Refugees and its complementary DVD, Welcome to the United States: Refugee Guide to Resettlement. These resources, developed at the request of the Department of State, Bureau for Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM), are designed to support overseas Cultural Orientation, as well as for use in initial domestic orientation or by refugees directly. Multi-language: English, Arabic, Burmese, Farsi, Karen, Kinyarwanda, Nepali, Somali, Swahili

Steps to Protect Your Online Identity from the Taliban: Digital History and Evading Biometrics Abuses

8/17/21 We understand that the Taliban is now likely to have access to various biometric databases and equipment in Afghanistan, including some left behind by coalition military forces. This technology is likely to include access to a database with fingerprints and iris scans, and include facial recognition technology.
Overall, it is very difficult to avoid recognition based on biometric data, but the following fact sheet outlines some things you can do, and some you shouldn’t.
Multi-language: English, Dari, Pashto Key Words: Refugee, SIV,
Evading the Misuse of Biometric Data |
Evading the Misuse of Biometric Data-Pashto |
Evading the Misuse of Biometric Data-Dari |
IInternet Shutdowns and Blockages – English |
Internet Shutdowns and Blockages-Dari |
Thwarting Digital Surveillance-English |
Thwarting Digital Surveillance-Dari |
How to Delete Your Digital History-English |
How to Delete Your Digital History-Dari |
How to Delete Your Digital History-Pashto |

FAQs: Protection From Digital Identification Methods By the Taliban
|

Archive – Volunteer Legal Support for Afghans

12/31/23 Update – no longer accepting volunteers – This form is for volunteer legal workers interested in assisting with Afghan humanitarian parole applications. Volunteers will provide pro se support to Afghans and their sponsors, but will not formally represent applicants.
For more information about how to file for humanitarian parole for Afghan evacuees, see our training video and step-by-step guide

Operation Blue Roof

Operation Blue Roof is a priority mission managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for FEMA. Operation Blue Roof aims to provide homeowners in disaster areas with fiber-reinforced sheeting to cover their damaged roofs until permanent repairs are made. This program is a free service to homeowners. This program is for primary residences or a permanently occupied rental property with less than 50 percent structural damage.

Cities for Action / DACA Toolkit

Toolkit to help keep DACA recipients and impacted communities informed about the current status of the DACA program, light the pathway to resources amid a constantly shifting landscape, and offer tools to both elevate the voices of DACA recipients and impacted community and drive the message that DACA recipients strengthen the social and institutional fabric of the United States.

Afghan Coalition

Formed in 1996, Afghan Coalition is a 501(c)(3) non-profit community organization. We are dedicated to strengthening Afghan families, improving their access to social services, and building a strong and united Afghan American community. Located at the Family Resource Center in Fremont, CA, the Afghan Coalition is the largest Afghan-American organization in the US. Serving over 1,000 community members per year, particularly immigrant women and children, bilingual/bicultural advocates bridge the language and cultural gaps between community members and financial and social services.
Little Kabul
Key Words: Refugee

Archive – Free Legal Services for Afghan Refugees in CA

CA DEPT OF SOCIAL SERVICES IMMIGRATION SERVICES FUNDING FOR AFGHAN POPULATIONS – The CDSS funds qualified nonprofits to provide immigration legal services free of charge. The nonprofits on this list provide services to the Afghan population. For more information on service availability and additional service locations, please contact the organization directly. Multi-language: Pashto, Dari, Farsi

DCARA ASL Interpreting

DCARA Interpreting is a deaf managed non profit providing interpreting services which allows for on site and video communication between hearing people and deaf people in Bay Area, California. request@dcara.org 510-722-7004 Multi-language: ASL Key Words: SCC Language Access

Assurance Wireless Free Phone & Service

Assurance Wireless Unlimited combines our Lifeline service with the temporary Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) to give eligible customers Unlimited Data & Texts & Minutes, plus 10GB Hotspot Data.
Lifeline is a government benefit program. Assurance Wireless provides Lifeline service supported by the federal Universal Service Fund and the California LifeLine Program.
Qualifications: Enrollment in this government benefit program is available to consumers who qualify based on federal or state-specific eligibility criteria. See if you qualify today! Key Words: Communication, internet

Archive – Afghan American Foundation Emergency Resource List

8/17/21 In this moment of humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, please consider donating directly or otherwise supporting established, vetted and reputable organizations working in Afghanistan and in support of the Afghan people. The list below has been compiled includes organizations/efforts that AAF board members and other community individuals have placed a great deal of trust into. Emergency Donations links to reputable organizations providing life-saving care in Afghanistan are included

Gavilan College Food Pantry

8/24/21 On campus food pantry and free drive through food distribution at Gavilan College Gilroy campus This is open to the community and folks are required to pre-register online. Also help with application for CalFresh.
For more information, email us at foodpantry@gavilan.edu agutierrez@gavilan.edu www.gavilan.edu/calworks www.gavilan.edu/freshsuccess www.gavilan.edu/foodpantry www.gavilan.edu/resources Key Words: Education,

Switchboard (for Refugee Service Providers)

Switchboard is a one-stop resource hub for refugee service providers in the US. Funded by the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR), Switchboard offers a library of learning resources, an online evidence database, a range of self-paced e-learning courses, regular live learning opportunities, and on-demand technical assistance for ORR-funded organizations. Switchboard is implemented by the International Rescue Committee (IRC). IRC has partnered with Lutheran Immigrant Refugee Service (LIRS) to provide employment-related training and technical assistance.

SJPL Family Learning Centers

Family Learning Centers (FLCs) offer free learning opportunities, resources and services for adults and families. The Centers are designed to support:
English Language Learners (ELL)
Immigrants
Adults with Intellectual and Learning Disabilities
Older Adults/Seniors
Members of underserved and underrepresented communities
programs include education, technology and skills-building opportunities. Multi-language
Spanish |
Vietnamese |
Chinese Simplified |
Chinese Traditional |

American Red Cross (ARC) – Find Open Shelters

If an emergency has forced you to evacuate your home, the Red Cross may be able to help. National site with locations of all Red Cross sponsored emergency shelters.
Everyone is welcome at a Red Cross shelter. The Red Cross does not discriminate based on nationality, race, religious beliefs, class, disability, political opinions, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
Your service animal is also welcome. Please speak with a shelter worker if your service animal is in need of food or supplies. (You may also ask for help finding placement for your pets.)

American Red Cross (ARC) Contact Loved Ones

War and disaster can tear families apart when they need each other the most. The American Red Cross can help your family members reconnect, whether the separation was caused by a recent emergency here at home, war or natural disaster overseas, or events as far back as the Holocaust.
Reunification of Family in the US and US Territories
Restoring Family Links to locate a family member outside of the US separated by international crisis. Call our free Restoring Family Links national helpline at 1-844-782-9441
Multi-language: Spanish

Foothill College

First-time, full-time students (12 units or more**) are eligible to have the cost of tuition and fees fully paid for their first two years at Foothill College, except for summer session.
WE OFFER 79 ASSOCIATE DEGREES, 100 CERTIFICATES AND 1 BACHELOR’S DEGREE IN DENTAL HYGIENE.
The program covers tuition and fees in the fall, winter, and spring quarters only. It is not applicable for summer-session classes. Key Words: ESL

Deanza College

An undocumented student who has attended a California high school? You may qualify for exemption from out-of-state tuition rates under the California law known as AB 540.
Remember to apply for the De Anza College Promise: Eligible students get free tuition and fees for two years, plus $1,000 that you can use for books, materials or even a computer! Key Words: ESL

La Cooperativa Campesina de California

A 501 c (3) corporation, is the statewide association of agencies implementing and administering farm worker service programs including employment training, advocacy and disaster relief. Members: California Human Development Corporation (CHDC) | Center for Employment Training (CET) | Central Valley Opportunity Center (CVOC) | Employers’ Training Resource (ETR) | Proteus, Inc. | Multi-language: Spanish

Proteus, Inc.

Complementing its employment training and placement services, Proteus provides childcare and youth educational programming, safety training, and energy assistance. In addition to service centers, Proteus, Inc operates mobile service units to increase availability and impact on rural areas. Multi-language: Spanish
Counties Served: Fresno, Kings, Kern, Tulare and Los Angeles Member of
La Cooperativa Campesina

California Human Development (CHD)

bilingual programs in 13 counties to 15,000 individuals annually. CHD’s offerings include job training and placement assistance for rural laborers as well as tutoring, mentorship, and career advising for farmworker youth. CHD also provides affordable housing and energy services, criminal justice services, citizenship and immigration aid, and healthcare and disability services.
Multi-language: Spanish
Counties Served: Lake, Mendocino, Sonoma, Napa, Solano, Yolo, San Joaquin, Sacramento, Sutter, Yuba, Contra Costa, Butte, and Colusa. Member of
La Cooperativa Campesina

For U.S. Latinos, COVID-19 Has Taken a Personal and Financial Toll

7/15/21 More than a year into the pandemic, Latinos in the United States say COVID-19 has harmed them and their loved ones in many ways. About half say a family member or close friend has been hospitalized or died from the coronavirus, and a similar share say they or someone in their household has lost a job or taken a pay cut during the pandemic. Yet amid these hardships, Latinos are upbeat about the future. Nearly two-thirds say the worst of the coronavirus outbreak is behind the country, and a majority say they expect their financial situation and that of their family to improve over the next year.

Trabajos del Campo

7/21 Trabajosdelcampo.com: is an anonymous Job Review Platform for migrant and seasonal farmworkers in North America. The goal is to improve the working and living conditions of farmworkers across the US and Canada by providing a platform to communicate freely about farm job working conditions(think Glassdoor for farmworkers).
The Anonymous Job Review Website Concept has already brought transparency and accountability to the workplace across numerous industries. Trabajosdelcampo.com will bring the concept to those who need it most, our Nations’ Farmworkers.

Free WiFi Hotspots for Low Income SJ Families

6/25/21 CreaTV is working to bridge the digital divide and we’ve got you connected! If you or anyone in your household is under the age of 24 and needs a stable internet connection or has challenges with speeds or data caps, Wifi hotspots are available for a year at no charge to low-income households in San José. We are here to help you stay on top of all your virtual activities and summer learning goals. For more information and to see if you qualify please call (408) 200-2421 or email community@creatvsj.org

My Undocumented Life

Our mission is to provide up-to-date information and resources to undocumented students, their families, and allies (including educators, counselors, and administrators). We post scholarship opportunities that are open to undocumented students, strategies for navigating the educational system while undocumented, information on how to apply for DACA, key upcoming immigration-related events, news on immigration policies, and much more. Most importantly, we want to provide a sense of community to our diverse group of readers. Multi-language: Key Words: Financial Aid

Employer Vaccination Toolkit

5/21/21 The Employer Vaccination Toolkit provides employers with vaccine education materials, information on COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave and other guidance for employees, and an online form to request vaccination support.
Employers interested in requesting group appointments at nearby providers, or setting up a mobile or pop-up vaccination clinic at their workplace, must complete an online form. A representative will follow up within three business days, and requests will be filled as resources allow. There is no financial cost to the employer. Multi-language:
Spanish

711 Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS)

Free TTY-based Telecommunications Relay Services permit persons with a hearing or speech disability to use the telephone system via a text telephone (TTY) or other device to call persons with or without such disabilities.

Dial 711 to be automatically connected to a TRS communications assistant. It’s fast, functional and free. Dialing 711, both voice and TTY-based TRS users can initiate a call from any telephone, anywhere in the US, without having to remember and dial a ten-digit access number.
Multi-language:
Spanish |
Vietnamese |
Chinese |
Tagalog |
Korean |
Key Words: Access and Functional Needs, Communication, AFN

Free Ride to Vaccine Clinics

Anyone can call 408-809-2124 (TTY 408-321-2330) to request a free round trip ride to any Santa Clara County sponsored vaccination site, at least 2 days before. Also, assistance with making an appointment if requested. Driver will wait and take rider home. Up to 3 people in a party. Children under 18 yrs must have a guardian.

Archive – California says changes ahead for rental relief programLandlords, tenants say relief has been slow

6/10/21 After widespread criticism from tenants and landlords, state officials said Thursday they plan to streamline applications and step-up outreach efforts to more quickly deliver $2.6 billion in emergency rental assistance.
Despite nearly 200,000 applications requesting $543 million to cover unpaid rent, just $40 million has been distributed across California, according to state data. Advocacy groups continued to sound alarms, saying the state needs to accelerate the distribution of relief checks or risk a wave of evictions when a state moratorium expires June 30.
Housing is Key COVID-19 Rent Relief App

Stop AAPI Hate- Inside the California organization tracking anti-Asian hate incidents

6/7/21 Stop AAPI Hate has recorded nearly 7,000 hate incidents involving Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders nationwide
Volunteers review each report submitted by community members to the Stop AAPI Hate website; more than 2,800 came in during March alone. Women reported more than two thirds of all incidents in the coalition’s most recent national report. About 44% involved Chinese Americans.
While about 12% of survivors said they experienced some form of physical assault, more than two-thirds reported verbal harassment. Others reported civil rights violations, such as workplace discrimination, or online attacks.

Non-profit Racial Equity Pledge

The disparate health and economic impacts of COVID-19 pandemic on Silicon Valley communities of color are a profound illustration of the devastating cost of systemic racism
130 nonprofit leaders, recognize these inequities and commit to action for racial justice. They pledge to take anti-racist stances in our community, and to incorporate core values of racial equity, inclusion, and diversity in their organizations. Key Words: SVCN

Subtle Asian Mental Health Facebook Group

Please acknowledge that while we would like to be inclusive, this space is primarily a place for Asians and those of Asian descent.
Our hope for this group is to reach as many Asians struggling with mental health, cultural issues, inter-generational trauma, and associated problems as possible. We want Asians to realize they are not alone in their struggles and experiences and that there are others who are here to provide support.

Uber, Lyft to Provide Free Rides to Covid-19 Vaccine Sites Until July 4

5/11/21 Ride-sharing companies Uber Technologies Inc. and Lyft Inc. will make all rides to and from vaccination sites free until July 4 under a new partnership with the White House.
While the companies were already providing free or discounted rides in some circumstances, the rides will now be free to anyone in the U.S. who is going to a vaccination site to get the shot, and Lyft and Uber will promote the rides to and from tens of thousands of vaccination sites through their apps. The feature will launch in the next two weeks and run until July 4, when Mr. Biden has aimed to have enough people vaccinated to allow for safer Independence Day gatherings. Key Words: Pandemic

CRISP (Collaborative Resources for Immigrant Services on the Peninsula)

a collaborative project involving seven member organizations whose shared mission is to provide free or low-cost immigration legal services to children, families, and the elderly living in Peninsula communities. CRISP partners rely on collaborative engagement and referral processes, high quality legal representation and support, and coordinated outreach efforts that enable more efficient delivery of immigration services and support in the Peninsula region. Serving San Mateo County. The partner agencies include:
Asian Pacific Islander Legal Outreach (API Legal Outreach) |
Catholic Charities Center for Immigration Legal and Support Services |
Coastside Hope (CH) |
Community Legal Services in East Palo Alto (CLSEPA) |
Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC) |
Immigration Institute of the Bay Area – Redwood City Office (IIBA-RWC) |
La Raza Centro Legal (LRCL) |
Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County (LASSMC) |

Asian Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF)

APIAHF and the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) have collaborated on a combat hate crime toolkit that provides basic and critical information for victims, community based organization, and community leaders. Translated into 25 different languages, this information provides background on:
***Understanding the difference between a hate crime and hate incident ***Working with law enforcement and the media ***Checklist for community organizations ***Frequently asked questions Multi-Language: Arabic ***
Bengali ***
Burmese ***
Chinese (Simplified) ***
Chinese (Traditional) ***
Hindi ***
Hmoob / Hmong ***
Ilocano ***
Japanese ***
Khmer ***
Korean ***
Lao ***
Malayalam***
Nepali ***
Tagalog***
Telugu ***
Thai ***
Urdu ***
Vietnamese ***
Trukese / Chuukese ***
Hawaiian ***
Samoan ***
Tongan ***

COVID-19 CA Emergency Rent Relief Program

The Eviction Moratorium expired on 3/31/22 and applications are no longer being accepted for the CA Rent Relief program. If you submitted a complete application prior to March 31, 2022, and are pending a final decision from the program, state law provides eviction protections against unlawful detainer actions as a result of nonpayment of rent for the months of eligible assistance you requested. These state level protections are in place until June 30, 2022.
Check the status of your submitted application HERE
. To request additional support with your application, call the CA COVID-19 Rent Relief call Center at 833-430-2122.
For additional questions regarding legal protections that may be available to you, please visit www.lawhelpca.org/ for more information.
Multi-language: English, Spanish |
Chinese |
Korean |
Vietnamese |
Tagalog
Key Words: Pandemic

Report an Antisemitic, Bias or Discriminatory Incident

Report an Antisemitic, Bias or Discriminatory Incident
ADL believes people should not be targeted or treated unfairly because of their religion, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin or level of ability. If you have experienced or witnessed an incident of bias, bigotry, hate, antisemitism or extremism, please fill out our incident intake form below. We will do our best to investigate your situation and respond to you quickly. In an emergency, please dial 911.

Right to Be (previously Hollaback!) Bystander Intervention Training to Stop Anti-Asian American and Xenophobic Harassment

In response to the rise in Anti-Asian/American and xenophobic harassment, we at Hollaback! partnered with Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC to adapt our free bystander intervention training as well as offering a de-escalation training to meet this moment.
Key Words: COVID-19, Pandemic

SCC Senior Parcel Tax Exemption Applications

23 of 32 school districts in Santa Clara County offer parcel tax exemptions for seniors and/or homeowners with disabilities, but they are often not publicized well and taxpayers may not know they are eligible for an exemption.
Most exemption applications are around a page long and consist of proof of ownership, proof of residence, and proof of birthdate. For SSI applicants a copy of your Benefits Verification Letter is required. It can be difficult to find information about parcel tax exemptions so we have compiled a list of school district names, phone numbers and links to applying for a parcel tax exemption below.

Amid anti-Asian violence, San Jose’s Vietnamese residents embrace COVID-19 vaccines

4/2/21 Despite a fear of anti-Asian violence hanging over their heads, some Vietnamese residents lined up as early as 4 a.m. to get a COVID-19 vaccine at a new mobile clinic this week ” a chance to defend themselves against a virus that’s disproportionately infecting them.
“We initially expected around 700 people but now there’s about 1,000” said Asian American Center of Santa Clara County CEO MyLinh Pham. She organized a mass vaccination event in the heart of the city’s Vietnamese community within the span of a few days after getting 475 doses – but had to find a few hundred more after running out in the early afternoon.

FEMA COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Update

FEMA is providing financial assistance for COVID-19 related funeral expenses incurred after January 20, 2020.  The COVID-19 incident period ended on May 11, 2023. FEMA will continue to provide funeral assistance until Sept. 30, 2025, to those who have lost loved ones due to this pandemic.

The death must have occurred in the US, including the US territories, and the District of Columbia.
The death certificate must indicate the death was attributed to COVID-19. The applicant must be a US citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien who incurred funeral expenses after 1/20/20.  There is no requirement for the deceased person to have been a US citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien.

There is no on line application.  Once you have phoned in, supporting documentation can be emailed, faxed or mailed.  ***COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Line Number 844-684-6333 | TTY: 800-462-7585 ***
FEMA Funeral Application Video   
FAQ   Multi-language:  SpanishChineseVietnamesePortugueseCreole |  Bengali   Russian     Arabic  

Key Words: Pandemic

Equal Justice Works

Facilitating Fellowships for public interest lawyers and law students to serve at legal services organizations across the nation to increase equal access to justice for communities in need.
Educating law students and lawyers about options to manage their student debt and advocating for loan repayment assistance programs (LRAPs) and Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).

Veggielution Community Farm

Veggielution Community Farm was created in 2008 to help people make healthy food choices and provide opportunities for connecting with the natural world. We are fostering a sustainable food system through our urban farm that engages the community by providing access to organic and local food, creates youth leadership opportunities, and develops creative solutions to environmental and social justice issues. Veggielution partners with GFS and 3 other local agencies in the Sí Se Puede! Collective. Multi-language: Spanish

Cancer CAREpoint

Cancer CAREpoint provides personalized Counseling, Assistance, Resources & Education to all Silicon Valley cancer patients, survivors, families & caregivers at no cost. Multi-language: Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, Arabic, Russian, Italian, Portuguese, Hindi

Alum Rock Counseling Center

Our programs entail working with parents of infants & teens, keeping at-risk youth in a drug and violence-free school environment as well as on-site crisis counseling. We proudly serve all of Santa Clara County. info@alumrockcc.org Multi-language: Spanish

Latino Business Foundation Silicon Valley

BUSINESS ACADEMY – One of the main causes for new small business operations to close is due to lack of knowledge in business planning and operations. Latino Business Foundation Silicon Valley has created a Small Business Academy Program aimed to provide small business owners with the training, education and coaching to plan, organize, direct, execute and control their resources in order to obtain maximum benefit and achieve sustainable positive results.
Latino Business Foundation Silicon Valley recognizes the common obstacles women owned businesses often face and has developed workshops designed to assist the participants to overcome these struggles.

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For immigrants, IDs prove to be a barrier to a dose of protection

4/11/21 The life-or-death race to get as many people vaccinated as possible before the coronavirus spawns more viral mutations, like the one that emerged in Brazil, started slowly but has accelerated as many of those crossing the finish line possess the wherewithal and inclination to navigate a mazelike system. As the nation nears the point where supply soon outpaces demand, the unvaccinated will increasingly be people who are reluctant or who are rebuffed by barriers blocking their way. Key Words: COVID-19, Pandemic

Expand Ability

Expandability’s mission is to provide support and services that aim to improve the quality of life of people with disabilities by supporting and developing their abilities through advocacy and meaningful employment. Services currently provided virtually due to COVID-19. A program of Goodwill of Silicon Valley
Key Words: AFN, job search, disability

Right to Be (previously Hollaback!) Anti-Harrassment Training and Tool Kits

Right to Be is a global, people-powered movement to end harassment ” in all its forms. We believe that we all deserve to be who we are, wherever we are.
We believe we all have a role to play in disrupting harassment and building a culture where it is no longer seen as “just the price you have to pay” for being a woman, LGBTQ+, a person of color, or any other marginalized identity. We teach people to take action, and to reach across their own identities to ally with others and establish a united front against harassment each time we witness it. Key Words: Free Bystander Intervention Intervention Training, Hate Crime

Mortgage help from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

There is free foreclosure help. If anyone tries to charge you in advance for help or guarantees that they can stop your foreclosure, they’re not legitimate.
If you’re behind on your mortgage, or having a hard time making payments, we want to get you in touch with a HUD-approved housing counselor”they’ve been sponsored by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Your counselor can develop a tailored plan of action for your situation and help you work with your mortgage company. They’re experienced in all of the available programs and a variety of financial situations. They can help you organize your finances, understand your mortgage options, and find a solution that works for you.

Recording of Discussion on Accessibility of Red Cross Disaster Services

3/15/21 American Red Cross (ARC) provides disaster relief services all day, every day, where ever needed, so people can have clean water, safe shelter and hot meals when they need them the most. The purpose of ARC is to meet the immediate disaster-caused needs of individuals, families, and communities. This session addresses the mission and services of American Red Cross and how those service look amidst COVID a concurrent disaster. This session will also address inclusive practices, and discuss functional and access needs for individuals and families seeking supports and how ARC can accommodate.
This training is part of the first-ever Disaster Resilience Awareness by Disability Rights Texas.
Key Words: AFN, disabilities

Archive – What Santa Clara County renters, landlords should know about evictions

3/16/21 Renters affected by the pandemic likely took a sigh of relief when, early this year, California lawmakers extended the statewide ban on evictions for those facing financial hardships until the end of June. The law also created a rental assistance program to help lift lower-income renters out of rental debt. The program started taking applications this week.
The application does not ask for or require proof of citizenship. Multi-language: Spanish ***
List of Organizations Helping Renters with Applications
Key Words: Undocumented

United Peace Collaborative

We focus on making the maximum positive effort for our community. Our members and volunteers provide the momentum that helps us affect change. Using data driven models, we provide solutions that make a long-lasting difference. Build a stronger Chinese/Asian Community in SF & elsewhere. Assist seniors, women, children, and the disabled. Tasks: Educate Asians about basic rights as Americans, inform people what are reportable crimes, give info and resources to people who have needs.

Effects of Anti-Asian Racism During the Pandemic

CAN/DID: Standing Against Racism and Injustice is an ongoing multimedia series that builds on the knowledge and experience of De Anza College students, faculty and classified professionals
An exploration of equity and social justice issues – including lessons we can all learn from the struggles of many different groups and individuals Key Words: Diversity, Chinese, COVID-19

Archive – San Jose – Digital Inclusion Partnership

12/31/23 Website gone

2/21 The CA Emerging Technology (CETF) has been funded to work with communities throughout San José to close the digital divide through expanding device access, digital adoption and literacy skills. Digital Inclusion Partnership in collaboration with the CETF is a non-profit organization that provides statewide leadership to accelerate the deployment and adoption of broadband to unserved and underserved communities and populations in California. Key Words: DIGITAL LITERACY

Give an Hour®

GAH exists for those who don’t have access to compassionate mental health care. Licensed mental health providers have joined Give an Hour® to change the direction of mental health and volunteer to provide direct services.
Nationally we support: Those currently serving in the military, veterans (regardless of discharge status, deployment status, or era of service), and their families *** Those affected by natural disasters or man-made traumas
Provides free mental health services to those in need by reaching out to partner organizations to identify groups in need as well as partnering with California based mental health associations to offer the opportunity to providers across the state to join us in this effort. Multi-language: Spanish

Asian, Inc.

We empower diversity by creating opportunities in business development, housing and financial education, targeting low- to moderate-income communities of all races.

Heart of the Valley Services for Seniors

We can offer friendly phone calls to keep connected, no contact gardening and Household Hazardous Waste Pickup for seniors over 65 years old who live in: Santa Clara, Cupertino, Sunnyvale, Saratoga, Monte Sereno, Los Gatos, Campbell, and the West San Jose zip codes 95117, 95125, 95126, 95128, 95129, 95130.
Call (408) 241-1571</strong >
Service Eligibility We serve adults 65 years of age or older who reside in West Santa Clara County, depending on your zip code. Let’s see if we can help you! There are no waiting lists, or lengthy registration process. If you qualify, you become our client and can begin requesting services at least 7 business days in advance of your need.
See if you are eligible Key Words: Trnsportation

New Hope Chinese Cancer Foundation

Free assistance for Chinese cancer patients in Santa Clara County. New Hope Milpitas office will be open on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday morning from 10-12 pm. Please call ahead before visiting. Face covering and keeping social distance is required. Patient services, transportation, survivorship classes, and support groups will be conducted online. For inquiries, please contact info@newhopecancer.org or 408-609-3338 Multi-language: Chinese Key Words: AFN

South Bay Mutual Aid

8/3/21 COVID-19 Update
Due to an overwhelming number of requests we are temporarily closing the request form to allow our volunteers to catch up, we will reopen this form in September, thank you for all your support!
We are a coalition of students, workers, and community members organizing mutual aid in the South Bay (Santa Clara County) Monterey and San Benito County. Assistance with groceries, medical and cleaninig supplies, facemasks, transportation to medical appointments, Key Words: COVID-19, Pandemic Multi-language: Spanish