When working for justice, the promotora model builds power in communities even during a pandemic

Walking with immigrants to their court hearings and ICE check-ins can help them feel supported and protect their safety and rights. The New Sanctuary Coalition has run an accompaniment program since 2007. Volunteers do not interfere with proceedings, but by their presence, they demonstrate community support of immigrants and play witness to interactions between immigrants and government officials.

CAMINA ATX, a grassroots initiative founded by immigrants, hosts “Know Your Rights” forums that draw hundreds of people. Their approach to prioritizing cultural competency, accessibility and community ownership has emerged as an effective community-based response that provides critical information, resources and support networks for immigrants, mixed-status families, concerned citizens and anyone seeking to better understand constitutional protections in the current enforcement climate.

Albergue Assabil (the Shelter of the Path), by the Latina Muslim Foundation, is the first women-led Muslim shelter along the U.S.-Mexico border. It has been in operation since June 2022, providing a safe space for women migrants, supplying them with food, clothing, shelter and sanctuary regardless of their religious, social or cultural background. In the past two years, the shelter has helped about 3,000 migrant women.

The Town’s Equity Task Force works to advise the town on equity and inclusion strategies, specifically for the Latino population in the community. The task force presented seven recommendations to the Jackson Town Council in December, which were accepted, including recommendations like translating town signs into Spanish. Similarly, several local nonprofits have stepped up to serve Latino community members from literacy to food aid.

People in Bend, Oregon have turned to social media in order to help at-risk community members during the coronavirus pandemic. Utilizing Facebook Groups to connect with one another, the moderators aim to conduct "acts of kindness that are most easily crowdsourced" such as picking up groceries or walking a neighbor's dog.

Connecting refugees and locals speeds integration. A social enterprise called Singa, for example, has a matchmaking app that pairs people with similar hobbies and interests. The model has proven so successful that branches of Singa are opening in six other European countries and the effort is expanding to address housing and employment needs as well.

Hundreds of immigrants in Houston often have no access to any social aid. One community, East Aldine, exemplifies this. It lacks sewers, water, or trash collection. But, with the help of one nonprofit residents are bypassing the city, and getting the help they need.

In response to an influx of Haitian immigrants in the area, several Indianapolis community groups joined forces to support them. These groups connect them to English language services, job opportunities, advocacy support, and assistance in registering their children for school or getting a driver’s license, all while fostering a sense of community and connection.

Lincoln Literacy addresses language barriers for immigrants and refugees through a volunteer-based ESL program that offers over 100 classes across nine locations in Lincoln, Nebraska. The organization's model includes community classes, workplace partnerships where employers pay for on-site instruction during work hours and a student-centered curriculum that adapts to real-world communication needs. The group has been operating since 1975.

Latino churches like Iglesia Misionera Cristo Vive are acting as social service hubs for parishioners and members of the community, providing food, shelter, English language classes, trauma recovery and immigration advocacy.