Emergency Assistance Program

Since this summer, the MIC Emergency Assistance Program has shifted to a new model, to more rapidly respond to the distinct emergency needs of our 15 Partners. At the time of a constituent crisis, or in its direct aftermath, Partners are able to work with our Network Engagement Director, Anna Flores-Amper, to request and receive emergency assistance in any given month, for them to distribute to their constituents as cash or hunger relief assistance, as soon as possible. Below is the story of one recipient of MIC emergency cash assistance, shared, with permission, from Partner Pioneer Valley Workers Center’s September and October Newsletters:

September

“Devastatingly, one of our elder members was detained… at the ICE Field Office in Burlington, MA. Through quick action by PVWC staff, ACLU advocates and legal counsel, we were able to arrange for her release but she was forced to sign a voluntary departure agreement which means that she and her 7 year-old granddaughter must leave the country in less than 3 weeks. This beloved family is very active in PVWC and is cherished dearly by our community. The 7 year-old girl will be forced to leave while her mother and many other family members stay behind in Springfield. Our team is heartbroken and still reeling from this latest assault...”

October

“... We are so happy to share that she and her granddaughter are still in Springfield, united with their family. They have secured a lawyer and are fighting their case…”

*Her habeas lawyer was MIC Detention Legal Director Jacob Miller