On Saturday, Aug. 14, a magnitude-7.2 earthquake killed at least 1,400 people and injured thousands more in western Haiti. The catastrophe is the latest faced by the country, which never fully recovered from a 2010 quake that claimed an estimated 250,000 lives. Last month, the president of Haiti was assassinated, creating more turmoil in a country that has long grappled with deep poverty and violence. And earlier this week, Tropical Storm Grace brought heavy rains and winds to Haiti, further complicating relief efforts.
Learn what church and community groups are doing to keep immigrants out of detention
Hundreds of community groups are currently providing services, and most are ready to expand, according to a nationwide survey by the American Immigration Council.
Help Immigrants in Texas
Texas Governor Abbot signed an order that bans anyone excluding federal, state, or local law enforcement from transporting migrants through the state.
In the last couple of months the town of Del Rio, Texas has seen thousands of migrants come through the border. The Border Patrol is now dropping the migrants off at a gas station! A local charity, Val Verde Border Humanitarian Coalition is helping the migrants by giving them water, snacks, supplies such as diapers, translation services, and helping them find the transportation they need to get to their final destination.
The migrants are entering the country LEGALLY seeking asylum or refugee status. They are processed by Border Patrol, Covid tested, background checked, and granted permission to stay in the country to await their court date. They are passing through Del Río on their way to their final destination which is usually family in the US. The number of migrants coming through has increased substantially in the area, and most of the time they come carrying a small backpack with their belongings. This is more than a border crisis, this is a humanitarian crisis.
If you would like to help the Val Verde Border Humanitarian Coalition is accepting donations.
Volunteer Opportunity: Hunterdon Helpline Literacy Program
Are you interested in learning how to teach adult learners English? The Hunterdon Helpline offers a 15 hour training course that will teach you how to do it. You will then be matched with students who require instruction. For more information contact Hunterdon Helpline at 908.782.4357.