Mayor Romero & Council Member Santa Cruz’s Efforts Raise $1.25 Million for the We Are One | Somos Uno Immigrant Relief Fund

Funds to provide COVID-19 relief for those left out of federal programs 

(TUCSON, AZ – August, 2020) The We Are One | Somos Uno Resiliency Fund received $1.25 million from two donors to provide financial relief for Tucson’s immigrant communities. The funds come from the Open Society Foundations and an anonymous donor.  

The donations will provide aid to immigrant communities in the City of Tucson and South Tucson that have been negatively impacted by the pandemic yet are largely excluded from federal relief. The funds will help individuals  who were not eligible to receive CARES Act stimulus checks sent to millions of households earlier this year, and who face additional barriers to other safety net program benefits. 

“It is unconscionable that many of our fellow Tucsonans do not have access to federal aid despite risking their lives serving as essential workers during this pandemic,” said Mayor Regina Romero. “No one should suffer hardship in the shadows and, unfortunately, that’s the painful reality many  immigrants are enduring. I am grateful to Open Society Foundations and those who stepped up to provide  financial aid to Tucsonans who do not have access to federal assistance.” 

“Early into the crisis community advocates from the Immigrant Empowerment Taskforce came forward,” said Council Member Santa Cruz. “They shared stories about our most vulnerable. They asked for support for immigrant families, especially those denied federal relief funds. This seemed like an uphill battle, and I am grateful for the donations from OSF, our anonymous donor, and Sunnyside Foundation because in this moment of crisis they are helping us rise to the occasion.” 

Sunnyside Foundation will administer the fund and the distribution of the $1.25 million. Details on how to receive aid will be shared September 1, 2020 at sunnysidefoundation.org.

“Entire families in our community are being evicted from their homes, losing jobs, and having to decide between buying groceries or paying utility bills,” said Kerri Lopez-Howell, executive director of Sunnyside Foundation. “We are honored to steward these resources and eager to work alongside grassroots community leaders, organizers, and advocates to ensure that those most impacted receive these dollars. Thank you, Council Member Santa Cruz and Mayor Romero for your leadership and diligence. Thank you for bringing such a significant amount of money to our families.”  

Learn more about the work the We Are One | Somos Uno Immigrant Relief Fund is doing to help immigrant families during this difficult time at sunnysidefoundation.org. Join the cause and donate.