Provider Type: Non-Profit

Non-Profit

Tahirih Justice Center

Services for women: Immigration legal support for survivors of gender based violence including U-visa, human trafficking, asylum, VAWA, forced marriage and SIJS cases; social services and case management.

9/21 Tahirih’s Afghan Asylum Project was launched to support Afghan citizens who recently arrived in the United States. Our dedicated, toll-free helpline will connect Afghans seeking assistance with information, resources, and local organizations who are providing on-the-ground support.
In addition, trauma-informed Tahirih staff will be conducting legal screenings with anyone presenting gender-based asylum claims for potential legal representation by Tahirih staff and pro bono network.
TAHIRIH’S AFGHAN ASYLUM LINE: 888-991-0852
Languages: Arabic, Dari, Pashto, Spanish, Vietnamese, French voice line for other spoken languages. Offices in San Bruno, CA, Houston, Atlanta, Washington DC and Baltimore. Consultations by phone only

Undocufund

The UndocuFund provides direct funding to undocumented immigrants and their families in Sonoma County. We are working to care for and protect our community, and we have decided to re-activate Undocufund as the COVID-19 pandemic intensifies. Many of our undocumented community members work in temporary or low-wage jobs, without access to sick leave, unemployment or the ability to work remotely. Immigrants, many of them undocumented, do essential work that sustains us all.

NOVA Job Center

NOVA, through its two Job Centers, provides free customer-focused services to the job seekers of San Mateo and northern Santa Clara counties. NOVA works closely with local businesses, educators, and individuals to ensure that our programs provide opportunities that build the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to address the workforce needs of Silicon Valley. Key Words: Employment

Major Benefit Programs Available to CA Immigrants – Jan 2020 Update

This table lists the programs for which certain immigrants residing in California are eligible. Eligibility criteria are provided for the following categories of immigrants: (1) “qualified” immigrants who entered the U.S. before Aug. 22, 1996; (2) “qualified” immigrants who entered the U.S. on or after Aug. 22, 1996; and (3) “not qualified” immigrants.
An important feature of the table is that it provides notes about how “deeming” rules apply to immigrants who are eligible for different programs. “Deeming” refers to the fact that an immigrant’s sponsor’s s income/resources may be added to the immigrant’s when determining the immigrant’s eligibility for certain programs.

Institute of International Education Scholar Rescue Fund (IIE-SRF)

IIE-SRF accepts applications from qualified scholars facing threats to their lives or careers. Fellowships support temporary academic positions at colleges, universities, and other research institutions anywhere in the world where the scholars can continue their academic work in safety. Applications are accepted at any time throughout the year, and qualified applications are reviewed by the IIE-SRF Selection Committee on a quarterly basis. Key Words: Refugee, Financial Aid, Scholarship, education

Disaster Distress Helpline

The Disaster Distress Helpline 1-800-985-5990 is a 24 hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week resource that responds to people who need crisis counseling after experiencing a natural or man-made disaster or tragedy. Spanish
A disaster or tragedy is unexpected and often brings out strong emotions. The Helpline staff will provide confidential counseling, referrals and other needed support services. Key Words: Mental Health, Multi-language, COVID-19, coronavirus

ICE Raids Toolkit

Defend Against ICE Raids and Community Arrests, the product of IDP’s and CCR’s collective work against ICE arrests under Bush and Obama, serves as the first comprehensive guide and organizing resource to fight back against the Trump administration’s efforts to criminalize communities and deport millions of people. (Updated in July 2017)

Mi Familia Vota

Mi Familia Vota is a national 501(c)(4) civic engagement organization that advocates on social and economic issues that impact the Latino community, from immigration to workers rights.
Since our founding, Mi Familia Vota has integrated local organizing, leadership development, advocacy and building broad community partnerships with our voter engagement work; focusing on local,state and federal elections. Comprehensive immigration reform, education, healthcare, workers’ rights, climate change and the environment, and voter rights have been the core issues at the heart of our work, locally and nationally. Offices in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Nevada, and Texas. Multi-language: Spanish Key Words:

MALDEF Law School Scholarship Program

MALDEF has always sought to support law students who seek to further MALDEF’s mission of advancing the civil rights of the Latino community in the United States through the legal profession. In recent years, MALDEF has annually awarded 5-15 law school scholarships of $5,000 each to deserving law students from throughout the nation.. Key Words: Financial Aid, Education, Multi-language: Spanish

ORAM – Organization for Refuge, Asylum and Migration

Founded in 2008, ORAM specializes in the protection of exceptionally vulnerable refugees, including LGBTIQ refugees. ORAM’s free professional training, toolkit, materials and direct refugee assistance, enable the international community to protect exceptionally vulnerable refugees and asylum seekers and safeguards the integrity of the international refugee protection system. Key Words: Gay, Transgender, Lesbian. Multi-language information and materials can be ordered or downloaded.
Arabic |
Farsi |
French | Russian | Spanish | Turkish |

RESILIENCE IN AN AGE OF INEQUALITY: Immigrant Contributions to California

2017 Report by CIPC (CA Immigrant Policy Center) In the wake of the 2016 Presidential election, communities across the nation have been grappling with profound questions about our political and economic systems. Perhaps no two themes have generated more intense discus-sion than those of racial justice and economic equity – and the lack thereof for far too many. At times, these issues have been posed as mutually exclusive. Yet the experiences of California’s immigrants – overwhelmingly people of color, and also a vital part of a labor force which generates great wealth yet suffers increasing inequality – offer a valuable bridge between these twin points. In the coming years, California is poised to play a unique role in defending fundamental human
rights from unprecedented attacks.

Outlet

Outlet is an LGBTQQ Youth organization based in Mountain View, California. As the Peninsula’s only comprehensive LGBTQQ Youth organization, including bilingual language services, they work with local communities to support and empower LGBTQQ Youth. Key Words: Gay, Lesbian, Transgender, Queer,

US Climate Vulnerability Map

10/1/23 The most detailed interactive map yet of the United States’ vulnerability to dangers such as fire, flooding, and pollution was released by the Environmental Defense Fund and Texas A&M University.  Key Words:  Climate Change, disaster

The DREAMer Incarceration Rate

8/30/17 There is a vast body of empirical literature showing that legal and illegal immigrants do not increase local crime rates, are less likely to commit crimes than their native-born peers, and are less likely to be incarcerated than are native-born Americans. This brief
by the CATO Institute is the first that estimates the DREAMer incarceration rate. DREAMers are less likely to be incarcerated than native born Americans with the same age and education. DACA ineligible illegal immigrants and all other legal immigrants are even less likely to be incarcerated.

Latinos in Technology (LIT) Scholarship

Application ended 4/21/21 – ck for next year.
Funded by the Hispanic Foundation of Silicon Valley, For Latino(a) students who have a declared major in a science, technology, engineering and math (STEM)-related field
Up to 100 scholarship of up to $30,000 (paid over three years, provided renewal eligibility requirements are met).
Scholarship recipients will also be provided internship opportunities with LIT Scholarship corporate funders from Silicon Valley. Application Deadline November 12th. Key Words: Education, Financial Aid, Latinx,

East Bay Sanctuary Covenant

Offering sanctuary, solidarity, support, community organizing assistance, advocacy, and legal services to those escaping war, terror, political persecution, intolerance, exploitation, and other expressions of violence. Services include: Refugee Rights Program, Affirmative Asylum, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS), Permanent Residency, Naturalization,
Community Development and Education (CDE). Office in Berkeley, CA

Sanctuary Policies: An Overview

2/25/17 Report from the American Immigration Council – Over the past several decades, many states, counties, and cities have adopted a variety of policies intended to serve and protect all of their residents, regardless of immigration status.
These laws, policies, or resolutions are sometimes referred to as “sanctuary” policies, although no legal or standard definition of the term exists. There are many reasons jurisdictions adopt “sanctuary” policies, such as: strengthening resident-police relations and ensuring that all people feel comfortable reporting crimes, regardless of immigration status; and protecting police agencies from liabilities resulting from local enforcement of federal immigration laws.

Phone Ringtone Advises CA Immigrants of Their Rights

6/27/17 SALINAS These are uncertain times for the immigrant community and advocates are trying to find ways to bring them help and comfort.
The latest effort comes in the form of aby the United Farm Workers, a cumbia-style jingle that advises “if immigration comes, keep calm. You have the right to not sign anything and not say anything. You have the right to remain silent and to ask for a lawyer.”
Download Ringtone |

At Home Humanitarian

At Home Humanitarian provides volunteer mentors to refugees and immigrants living within Northern California and Utah. Mentors can help answer any questions relating to American culture, customs, processes, laws, or community resources that would be helpful to the person they support.
Serving Counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz. Multi-language: Key Words: Integration, RIF, Afghan

Project Sentinel – Housing Advocacy

Project Sentinel’s primary function is to assist individuals with housing problems such as discrimination, mortgage foreclosure & delinquency, rental issues including repairs, deposits, privacy, dispute resolution, home buyer education, post purchase education and reverse mortgages.
Make an appointment for a FREE 15 – minute consultation
Service Area; Counties of Santa Clara, San Mateo, Stanislaus, Sacramenti, Cities of Fremont & Merced. Offices in Fremont, Gilroy, Modesto, Redwood City, Milpitas, Sacramento and Santa Clara. Monterey County via our Salinas office. SCC Multi-language: Spanish, Tagalog, Vietnamese, Chinese (Cantonese & Mandarin),

Pangea Legal Services

The AFGHAN RESOURCES PROJECT
is matching hundreds of volunteer attorneys with thousands of Afghans seeking to file humanitarian parole applications to be reunited with their community in the U.S. Welcoming donations. and volunteers .
Services: low fee and free full-scope legal representation to immigrants in both detained and non-detained immigration court proceedings.  We focus on deportation defense; Key Words:
Multi-Language: Spanish, English, Farsi, French, German, Persian, Portuguese
Offices in Milpitas and San Francisco

Law Foundation of Silicon Valley

COVID-19 Update:
The Law Foundation is a non-profit agency that provides free legal services to Silicon Valley individuals in need. Our services are available through: Mental Health Advocacy Project: 408-280-2420***Legal Advocates for Children and Youth: 408-280-2416***Housing: 408-280-2424
Multi-language: Spanish, Vietnamese Key Words: domestic violence; public charge,family law, and guardianships for youth; special education; housing law; health legal services,

Managing Money from Consumer Action

A financial literacy clearinghouse featuring Consumer Action’s award-winning multilingual educational materials, headline news on personal finance topics and recommended publications created by other organizations and government agencies. The materials focus on financial services, sound financial planning and debt management, saving for emergencies and retirement and how to avoid frauds and scams. Key Words: Allies1 Multi-language: Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean

Lawyers for Good Government (L4GG)

In the wake of the 2016 election, an army of more than 120,000 lawyers, law students, and activists rose up in defense of the values, principles, individuals, and communities that make America a truly great nation.  2023 Update:  State legislatures across the country have brought escalating attacks against our civil rights, particularly on the right to bodily autonomy through state bans on gender-affirming care, birth control, contraception, and more. To combat this, we’re working with on-the-ground partners to defend against future state-level attacks and develop proactive, protective policy approaches driven by leaders from the affected communities and supported by L4GG’s unparalleled attorney network.  #L4GG

USAHello Resources for Newcomers to America

A one-stop, comprehensive website that houses the resources and information newcomers need to build successful lives for themselves and their families in the US. Resettled refugees and immigrants have collaborated on our content, which is written for English learners and those with interrupted educations. Our programs are further enhanced by automated and manual translations and the latest in multi-modal learning techniques. We use the proliferation of mobile technology and the power of the internet to provide safe, trustworthy support where and when it is needed. Español, Spanish, English, Arabic, Français, French, Af-Soomaali, Somali, Afrikaans, Basa Sunda, Key Words: RIF

Immigrationlawhelp.org

ImmigrationLawHelp.org is a searchable online directory of over 1,000 free or low-cost non-profit immigration legal services providers in all 50 states. Only nonprofits that are BIA recognized or have attorneys on staff are included in the directory. Users can search by state, zip code, or detention facility. Users can also refine their search by types and areas of legal assistance provided, populations served, languages spoken, other areas of legal assistance, and non-legal services provided. Developed by the Immigration Advocates Network and Pro Bono Net. Multi-language: Arabic, Burmese, Chinese, Farsi, Frenc, Haitian Creole, Hmong, Khmer, Korean, Russian, Spansh, Vietnamese

Welcome Back INITIATIVE – Int’l Health Worker Assistance Center

Mission – To build a bridge between the pool of internationally trained health workers living in the U.S. and the need for linguistically and culturally competent health services in underserved communities.
Welcome Back Center Locations: San Francisco, San Diego, Boston, Rhode Island, Puget Sound, WA, Suburban, Maryland, New York, San Antonio, Colorado,
Northwest WA, Philadelphia,

El Rescate

5/17 Provides multiple services, including legal counseling and representation, social services, education and economic development.  Serves the Central American community with immigration issues and orientation.  Also offers ESL and Spanish classes and emergency assistance for newly arrived refugees and others in crisis. Serving: LOS ANGELES Multi-lingual: Spanish

Archive – A Question of Honor: The Ongoing Importance of the Afghan Special Immigrant Visa Program

3/17 Urban Justice Center’s Report – The Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program was established in the Afghan Allies Protection Act of 2009 in response to the extreme danger that Afghan employees of the U.S. government in Afghanistan face as a result of their work. As of this report’s writing in March 2017, visa interviews were suspended for lack of visas. All Afghan applicants must undergo extensive processing, which lasts for months or even years. Key Words: Refugee, Asylee

EveryoneOn – Low Cost Internet, Equipment, and Free Digital Literacy Classes

EveryoneOn is a national nonprofit working to eliminate the digital divide by making high-speed, low-cost Internet service and computers, and free digital literacy courses accessible to all unconnected Americans. Through partnerships, EveryoneOn is able to offer home Internet service for under $20 in 48 states and the District of Columbia. We work with refurbishers, to offer devices for under $100. Spanish Key Words Education

Forward Together

Forward Together is a multi-racial organization that works with community leaders and organizations to transform culture and policy to catalyze social change. Our mission is to ensure that women, youth and families have the power and resources they need to reach their full potential. By developing strong leaders, building networks across communities, and implementing innovative campaigns, we are facilitating collaboration. Offices in Oakland, CA and Alburqueque, NM

CA CASA Association – Foster Children

CA Appointed Special Advocates for Children. Every day in California, more than 88 children enter foster care, having experienced the grave injustice of abuse or neglect. All too often they get lost in the system and their critical needs go unmet. We’re here to improve these children’s lives. CASA Volunteers receive special instructions on how to address a child’s immigration needs and focus on the best outcome for each child.

Know Your Rights and What Immigrant Families Should Do Now

4/28/17 ILRC Update – It’s important for everyone to know their rights if approached by an immigration (ICE) agent as well as how families can best prepare for something happening. This resource provides practical tips for things immigrant families can do now to prepare as well as information on rights everyone has in the United States, regardless of immigration status. Key Words: KYR, Spanish | Chinese | Arabic | Korean | Russian | Tagalog | Vietnamese |

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We’re committed to improving crisis services and advancing suicide prevention by empowering individuals, advancing professional best practices, and building awareness. Key Words: Mental Health, Multi-language: Spanish, Deaf & Hard of Hearing

Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Hispanic Satellite

Our mission is to provide services to Latino small business owners and entrepreneurs, helping them to grow and establish successful businesses. Northern California SBDC’s offer free, individualized and confidential one-on-one advising for existing businesses and start-ups with the potential for job creation, revenue and profit growth, and new business development ideas which could stimulate economic development in Northern California and beyond. San Jose Office. Multi-Language: Spanish Key Words:

Helping immigrant children heal

2015 Report from the American Psychological Assoc. – Psychologists are working to help undocumented immigrant children recover from trauma and deal with the uncertainties of their lives. Key Words: Mental Health, Stress, unaccompanied minors,

QueeRoc

Queeroc is the AROC (Arab Resource Organizing Committee) Arab queer immigrant-led committee. It aims at providing a space for Arab-identifying lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual and questioning (LGBTQ) individuals in the Bay Area to meet for the purpose of community building and resource sharing through informal exchange of experiences and knowledge as well as social activities. Serving the San Francisco Bay Area. Multi-language: Arabic

ILRC Family Preparedness Plan for Immigrants (English-Spanish-Chinese)

Every family should have a Preparedness Plan in case of disruption of their routines for any reason. The dramatic expansion of ICE activities makes it even more important that immigrants consider the potential impact that detainment or deportation would have on their families. ILRC (Immigrant Legal Resource Center) has prepared this packet with information, forms, and additional information for families that include immigrants. Spanish | Chinese |

Payvand Iranian Community

A local 501C-3, non-profit, non-political and non-religious organization. Our mission is to integrate and empower the Iranian-American community by promoting arts and culture in the Bay Area. We bring educational services, scholarships and various cultural activities to the community. Serving: Santa Clara County, Persian, Youth, Iranian Federated Women’s Club Key Words: Financial Aid Multi-language: Farsi

Justia Legal Aid & Pro Bono Services

The Justia Lawyer Directory is a listing of lawyers, legal aid organizations, and pro bono legal service organizations. Our services include a 24-hour toll-free crisis line, an emergency shelter, counseling, information and referrals, support groups, safety planning, legal services and community education presentations. Staff and volunteers also contact police reported victims of domestic violence to inform them of their rights and resources. All Support Network services are completely confidential, are either free or low-cost. Multi-language: Spanish and English.: Mt. View, SCC

Mexican Heritage Plaza School of Arts and Culture

Although La Plaza will no longer be a testing site, our partner Gardner Health Services will continue offering free vaccinations and COVID-19 tests to the East San Jose community. For more information or to schedule an appointment call them at (408) 457-7100 or find your nearest clinic. No health insurance or doctor’s note is required and it does not impact your immigration status. Multi-language: Spanish Key Words: Latino, folklorico, San Jose, SCC

Silicon Valley Community Foundation Scholarships

SVCF administers a variety of scholarship programs for high school seniors, college and graduate school students, vocational and re-entry students. Annually, we award close to 700 scholarships totaling more than $4.5 million.
Scholarship deadlines and requirements vary; please review complete information on each program’s web page. In general, applications are accepted in January and February. Scholarships staff can be reached via scholarships@siliconvalleycf.org or 650.450.5487 Key Words: Financial Aid, Key Words: Education, Coronavirus, COVID

HAIS

HIAS stands for a world in which refugees find welcome, safety, and freedom. Following resettlement, HIAS supports both refugees and host communities around the U.S. to ensure successful integration. Although this can be a long process requiring the participation of many actors, refugees bring the resilience and resourcefulness that saved their lives at home.

Archive – Quickguide to Child Welfare & Immigration Laws – CA

This 2016 Quickquide from the American Bar Association, offers a brief overview of law and resources for child welfare attorneys and others. In addition to highlighting how common stages to a dependency case may affect immigrant children or parents, This tool describes forms of federal immigration relief that may be unfamiliar to child welfare practitioners but are potentially critical resources for their clients. There is also a listing of California State specific laws and resources.

Jewish Family & Children’s Services (JFCS)

PLEASE CALL US IF YOU NEED SUPPORT OR ASSISTANCE. 415-449-1200
Programs for adults, seniors, youth, children, refugees, emegres. Immigration, ESL and Citizenship assistance, financial assistance. Educational Scholarships and Loans
Areas Served: Offices in Palo Alto, San Mateo, San Francisco, San Rafael, and Santa Rosa – Counties of Sonoma, Marin, San Mateo, SF, and Santa Clara. CADRE Partner Key Words: SCC, Koret, LGBT, Domestic Violence, Hospice, Counseling, Emergency Assistance

Billy DeFrank LGBTQ Community Center

Our mission is to provide a broad array of opportunities and programs, and a spirit of community that celebrates the many facets of our constituency. Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people of all ages and backgrounds find resources and support services that are not available elsewhere, including: Library, Free Cyber Center, Art Exhibits, Social Events, HIV Testing, Counseling and weekly Spanish AA meetings. Key Words: Mental Health, Social @billydefrank https://www.facebook.com/billydefrank Key Words: SCC,

LYRIC Center for LGBTQQ+ Youth

LYRIC’s mission is to build community and inspire positive social change through education enhancement, career trainings, health promotion, and leadership development with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQQ) youth, their families, and allies of all races, classes, genders, and abilities. Part of a San Francisco collaboration that that offers young queer people with quality medical & mental health care in a comfortable, respectful environment.

African Human Rights Coalition

The African Human Rights Coalition (AHRC) works with LGBTI communities and individuals in African countries seeking to claim and defend their human rights. *Providing advocacy and direct services to combat homophobia, transphobia, and xenophobia, as well as related individual case advocacy, forming coalition alliances locally, on the continent, and abroad; *To provide fully comprehensive and ad hoc case management services for LGBTI individuals, to include humanitarian assistance, referrals and resources; International

APA Family Support Services

APAFSS is San Francisco’s foremost advocate and service provider for at-risk Asian and Pacific Islander children and their families. Created with the goal of providing culturally competent services for new Asian immigrants in the community, we have since branched out, our services are made available to families of all ethnicities. 8 SF Locations. Key Word: API Multi-Language Outreach:
Cambodian , Laotian, Cantonese , Spanish, Vietnamese, Mandarin , Thai, Tagalog

JEWISH FAMILY & COMMUNITY SERVICES EAST BAY

JFCS East Bay assists immigrants and refugees applying for a range of immigration services including:
Citizenship, DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), Employment authorization, Family-based petitions, Fee waiver applications, Green cards,Travel documents, U visas, VAWA self-petitions, Waivers and more. BIA recognized agency with multilingual accredited representatives and a Spanish-speaking immigration attorney. Multi-lingual: English, Dari, Spanish, Farsi, Arabic, Russian, Bosnian, Conversational Hindi Serving Alameda County – Walnut Creek & Berkeley offices

Prerna

Prerna2Inspire ia a non-profit organization focused on the humanitarian efforts of enabling refugee families from conflict countries across the globe the opportunity to lead a sustainable life on arrival in the US. Prerna supports enrollment in education at all levels, as well as homework aid, ESL Classes and career Planning. Employment search assistance. (Officially established as a Non-Profit Corp in July 2015.) Key Words: Professional, RIF

A Primer on Expedited Removal – FACT SHEET from American Immigration Council (AIC)

7/22/19 President Trump’s January 25, 2017, executive order directs the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to dramatically expand the use of expedited removal. Expedited removal is a process by which low-level immigration officers can quickly deport certain non-citizens.
One of the major problems with expedited removal is that the immigration officer making the decision virtually has unchecked authority.

Know Your Rights (KYN) – ILRC Multi-language Red Cards

All people in the US, regardless of immigration status, have certain rights and protections under the U.S. Constitution. The Red Cards were created to help people assert their rights and defend themselves against constitutional violations. Red cards provide critical information on how to assert these rights, along with an explanation to ICE agents that the individual is indeed asserting their rights. These cards can be ordered free by non-profit service providers in English/Spanish. Also available on line in: | Spanish | Chinese | Tagalog | Arabic |

Archive – Atzlan Academy

The Academy engages scholars, writers, artists, philosophers and folklorists to enlighten its membership while it sustains some of the oldest cultural traditions in this continent. The Academy’s activities are geared to create and express the Mexican/Chicano social experience inspiring young children, entertaining the public, offering performing opportunities, and exploring venues to preserve the local MESTIZO artistic heritage. It is also involved in social issues that affect our communities. Key Words:

Rainbow Welcome Iniative

The Rainbow Welcome Initiative through Heartland Alliance supports lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) asylees and refugees as they resettle in the United States. This project helps LGBT asylees and refugees find assistance and connect with trained service providers and support. Multi-language LGBT Know Your Rights: English | Spanish | French | Arabic
| Key Words: Unacompanied Children, KYN

Payday Loans – Everything You Wanted to Know but Were Afraid to Ask

10/5/16 Article by Talk Poverty/ – Payday loans are advertised as quick and easy loans that borrowers can repay when their next paycheck comes around. The interest rates are so high, often 400% and above, compared to about 16% on the average credit card that borrowers cannot afford to pay back the loan and the vast majority of loans (80%) are rolled over or followed by an additional loan within just two weeks. The result is that borrowers wind up in debt. Key Words

Searching for Sanctuary – ILRC Analysis of US Cities & Counties

12/2016 Immigrant Legal Resource Council Immigrant Legal Resource Council (ILRC) identified seven different types of policies to consider in assessing the extent of local assistance with
immigration enforcement in different jurisdictions. We
used these factors to evaluate the extent to which local
law enforcement agencies offer voluntary assistance to
ICE. Without enacting policies to preserve local
resources and safety for the entire community, regardless
of immigration status, local law enforcement will continue
to be extensively involved in deportations.

Freedom for Immigrants

4/18 The U.S. has the largest immigration detention system in the world. On any given day, over 40,000 children and adults are languishing in immigrant jails and prisons. They don’t have access to a court-appointed attorney, a free phone call, or a speedy trial. Many of them are subjected to medical neglect, sexual and physical assault, and other forms of human rights abuses. Two-thirds of people in U.S. immigration detention are in private prisons and the rest are locked up in county and city jails, all of which profit off their misery. FFI (Previously CIVIC – End Isolation) is the national immigration detention visitation network, which is working to end U.S. immigration detention by monitoring human rights abuses, elevating stories, building community-based alternatives to detention, and advocating for system change. Key Words: Humanitarian

The Criminalization of Immigration in the United States

7/13/15 Report from American Immigration Council – For more than a century, innumerable studies have confirmed that immigrants are less likely to commit serious crimes than the native-born, and high rates of immigration are associated with lower rates of violent crime and property crime. This holds true for both legal immigrants and the unauthorized, regardless of their country of origin or level of education. In other words, the overwhelming majority of immigrants are not criminals by any commonly accepted definition of the term. For this reason, harsh immigration policies are not effective in fighting crime.

My Fellow American

A project of Unity Productions Foundation (UPF), My Fellow American is an online film and social media project that calls upon concerned Americans to pledge and spread a message that Muslims are our fellow Americans. It asks people of other backgrounds to pledge, and share a real life story about a Muslim friend, neighbor, or colleague that they admire. Using the power of social media, My Fellow American seeks to change the narrative – from Muslims as the other, to Muslims as our fellow Americans. Key Words: Islam, Positive Resource

ServiceSpace

ServiceSpace is an organization run entirely by volunteers. We leverage technology to encourage everyday people around the world to do small acts of service. Our aim is to ignite the fundamental generosity in ourselves and others, creating both inner and outer transformation.
ServiceSpace was conceived by volunteers, was built by volunteers, and is run by volunteers — all for the benefit of volunteers. Our projects range from a daily positive news service, to an acts-of-kindness portal, to a gift-economy restaurant. Regardless of the endeavor, we act in concert to create service opportunities for each other and to support each other’s service journeys. Key Words: Positive Resource

Rapid Response Fund for Movement Building

The Fund will provide one-time small grants in the range of $3,000 to $15,000; grant decisions will be made within 30 days. The Fund intends to support proposals that respond to an unexpected moment or opportunity for advocacy or mobilization to advance racial and economic equity at a neighborhood, city or county level. Funding requests must serve residents in one or more of the following five Bay Area counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco and San Mateo.
This is a time-sensitive fund that is responsive to and shows solidarity with the communities we serve. Multi-language: | Spanish |

Everyone has certain basic rights, no matter who is president

11/10/16 NILC Factsheet – No matter who is president, everyone living in the U.S. has certain rights, including undocumented immigrants. If you have to deal with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or other law enforcement officers at home, on the street, or anywhere else, remember that you have the rights described in this factsheet. The factsheet also provides suggestions for what you should do to assert your rights. Multi-language: Hyperlink | Spanish |Traditional Chinese |Simplified Chinese | Key Words: Post-Election

NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Health)

The mission of NAMI Santa Clara County is to help people with a lived experience of mental illness and families by providing support, education and advocacy; to promote research; to reduce stigma and discrimination in the community; and to improve services by working with mental health professionals and families. Multi-language: Spanish
11-16 NAMI Resource Guide

Coastside Hope

Client base comprises about 15% of the population of the mid-coast and includes: the working poor, the homeless, seniors living below the poverty level, the disabled, and families and/or individuals in crisis. We serve people of all ages, from infants to senior citizens. Employed clients typically work in farming, nurseries, hotels and restaurants, construction, domestic services and commercial fishing. Services include Immigration Assistance, ESL, Citizenship Asst, Food supplements, Counseling, and more. Nulti-language: Spanish

Opportunity Youth Academy (OYA)

The Opportunity Youth Academy offers Santa Clara County students a blended program of teacher-directed instruction and online credit accrual and recovery options. The individualized support of teachers, counselors, navigators, liaisons and access to the services of SCCOE partners from community-based organizations is the hallmark of this unique program. The focus is ensuring that students leave the program with a high school diploma, and a path to college or career. The classes satisfy admission requirements for CA public universities and military service. Offices in: Milpitas, Gilroy, and San Jose Key Words: mental health, juvenile justice,

Fiesta Educativa for Children with Special Needs

A CA based partnership of families, professionals, consumers, friends, and agencies working to inform and assist Latino families in obtaining services and in caring for their children with special needs. The goal of universal support towards the enhancement of the lives of persons with disabilities. Programs: Fiesta Familiar, Autism Parent Education Program (APEP), Community Parent Resource Center (CPRC) Offices in San Jose, Los Angeles, San Bernadino and Orange. Key Words: Developmental Disability, AFN, Mexican Consulate, Multi-language: English, Spanish

Updated: Resources for consumers impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak

The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 (Stimulus #2) The second coronavirus pandemic stimulus package was passed by the U.S. Congress in late December 2020. The bill contains relief policies that provide financial help to families, additional unemployment funds, rental relief funds and extended small business loans.
We will continue to update this list as we learn more.Spanish version

Addressing domestic violence should be part of recovery plan during natural disasters

8/31/17 Hurricane Harvey is the most recent natural disaster that has caused damage and destruction across many communities. When disasters strike an entire community, they do not affect all community members equally, and victims of domestic violence are often particularly vulnerable. Researchers at the University of Missouri have now identified a framework that can help victims of domestic violence before, during and after disaster events.

Refugee Phrasebooks – 16 Languages

In the 1980s and 1990s, the Cultural Orientation Resource Center was funded to develop phrasebooks for selected refugee populations. These phrasebooks include appropriate English phrases for use in daily American life, selected to be direct, brief, and relevant. Included are sections on Giving Information About Yourself, Recognizing Signs, Dealing With Money, Health, Food, Clothing, Housing, and Jobs. Each phrasebook is approximately 140 pages and can be downloaded for free.
Languages: Russian, Spanish, Bosnian, Croatian, Serbian, Chinese (Cantonese), Somali, Czech, Farsi, Haitian Creole, Hungarian, Hmong, Khmer, Lao, Polish, and Vietnamese Key Words: Multi-language, Translate, Interpret,

Migration Policy Institute’s Language Portal

MPI’s Language Portal is a digital library of translation and interpretation information, offering one-stop access to thousands of state and local agency documents including contracts, planning reports, and translated material used to provide services to LEP individuals. Use the database to find resources by state, language, document type, area of service, and more. Multi-language Key Words: Interpret, Language Access

Health 4 All Kids

Beginning January 1, 2020, young adults up to age 26, no matter their immigration status, will be eligible for Medi-Cal Unlike restricted-scope Medi-Cal, children with full-scope Medi-Cal are able to get all covered services, including: annual checkups, regular doctor visits, vaccinations, mental health, and dental care. Many of these services are at no cost to the family.
For FREE and confidential legal and health information, like Medi-Cal eligibility rules, visit Health Consumer Alliance or call 888-804-3536 Multi-language:
Spanish
Key Words: Healthcare

Forms of Identification for Undocumented Immigrants

Alternative identification cards can enable immigrants to enjoy great benefits other residents also enjoy and they can help facilitate their abilities to cooperate with local law enforcement in resolving crimes and other safety concerns. Description of various types of ID available and accepted in different cities and states. Provided by the Catholic Legal Immigration Network.

Hmong Studies Journal

The Hmong Studies Journal is a unique and established peer-reviewed Internet-based academic publication devoted to the scholarly discussion of Hmong history, Hmong culture, Hmong people, and other facets of the Hmong experience in the U.S., Asia and around the world. The Hmong Studies Journal has published 15 volumes and 19 online issues since 1996. Key Words: Asian, , API Hmong,

ITIN – The Facts about the Individual Tax Identification Number

The Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) is a tax processing number issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to ensure that people – including unauthorized immigrants – pay taxes even if they do not have a Social Security number and regardless of their immigration status.
ITINs allow the IRS to bring in billions of dollars the federal government otherwise would have no way of collecting. This fact sheet explains what ITINs are, who has them, and the purposes for which they are used. Key Words: