Archdiocese of Los Angeles launches Help program for immigrant families in crisis

Archbishop José H. Gomez has announced a new initiative of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles (United States) to support parishes in the provision of essential services to immigrant families affected by the recent policies of application of the immigration law.

The archdiocese will be associated with local companies and philanthropos to administer the Family Assistance Programwhich will guarantee that “every dollar” provides direct help, such as food, meals and deliveries of medications with recipe, who are in crisis.

“Many of our friends and family, our neighbors and parishioners, are scared and anxious,” said Mons. Gomez, who presented the new program at a press conference at the Church of St. Patrick, in southern Los Angeles, on July 23. “They are good men and women and workers, people of faith, people who have been in this country for a long time and who are making important contributions to our economy, who are now afraid to go to work or be seen in public for fear of being arrested and deported.”

At the press conference, the Archbishop said he is working with the mayor of Los Angeles, Karen Bass, to “find a practical and peaceful solution to the situation with the federal authorities.”

The city’s residents have been in suspense after weeks of raids of immigration and customs control agents (ICE) strongly armed in local businesses. A federal judge in Los Angeles temporarily blocked ICE actions on July 11, after local business leaders and civil and immigrants groups They will sue the Trump administration On July 2.

The Catholic Association for Latin Leadership (Call) and the Federal Credit Union Parishioners have donated funds to the Archdiocesan initiative, together with Vallarta Supermarkets, a supermarket chain specialized in Mexican food, which has committed to donate gifted cards of communicable to the program.

“Never in my life I thought I would see the day when Catholics were afraid to go to the Church, fear of sending their children to school,” said Michael Molina, president of the Board of Directors of Call, who announced that the organization of local business leaders will make a donation of 10,000 dollars to the program. He also said that the group will encourage its members to make individual donations.

“As Catholics, we are called to share God’s mercy with those in need,” Molina said. “We reiterate our commitment to live the teachings of the gospels of love and compassion for our immigrant brothers and sisters.”

Rick Caruso, former candidate for mayor of Los Angeles and businessman, donated $ 50,000 to the initiative and promised to match additional donations up to $ 50,000 made through the Archdiocese website.

“I am proud to help support these families who work hard, pay taxes and contribute to our economy,” said Caruso, parishioner of the Church of Santa Monica in Santa Monica. “The United States is a nation of immigrants, so I am associated with the Archdiocese of Los Angeles to provide direct support to families that are going through economic difficulties.”

Beverly Hills Teddy Bear Company executive director, David Socha, made a financial contribution and donated toys to comfort children affected by the application actions of the Trump administration law.

“We cannot forget the human aspect of these problems,” said Socha. “It doesn’t matter which side you are on this subject, children are some of the most affected … We are glad to be able to give them their loved ones comfort and support.”

Throughout the southern California, the Catholic parishes have witnessed the impact of family separations, with detained parents and homes that run out of income. Many immigrants fear getting out of their homes, being arrested and separated from their families.

The bishop of San Bernardino, California, Mons. Alberto Rojas, recently granted a dispensation of the obligation to attend Sunday mass for those who have those fears.

Translated and adapted by the ACI Press team. Originally published in CNA.