Leaders Across Bay Area Launch Fund for Families of Immigrants Targeted by ICE

"Local leaders are launching the Stand Together Bay Area Fund, which will provide living expenses to families of local immigrants who've been deported or detained by ICE. Applicants can sign up through the SF-based Mission Asset Fund. As the Chronicle reports, San Francisco Mayor Lurie, Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee, and dozens of other Bay Area leaders announced the launch of the fund on Friday, which will be overseen by the nonprofit, San Francisco Foundation."

"The tactics being used in this country arrests, raids and fear-based policies are not just cruel, they are un-American, Lurie said. This fund will help keep a roof over people's heads, he continued. It will put food on the table. It will ease the burden for people who are being targeted, and it will send a clear message that San Francisco and the Bay Area will not turn our backs on our neighbors."

"Their goal is to raise $10 million the foundation pledged $2 million, and the rest of the funds will be collected from private groups, such as corporations, individuals, and charities, as Bay City News reports. The foundation has raised an estimated half a million dollars so far, according to the foundation's CEO, Fred Blackwell. Per the Chronicle, Alameda County supervisors Elisa Marquez and Nikki Fortunato Bas have pledged $50,000 each, once approved."

Local leaders launched the Stand Together Bay Area Fund to provide living expenses to families of Bay Area immigrants deported or detained by ICE. The fund will be overseen by the San Francisco Foundation and applicants can sign up through Mission Asset Fund. San Francisco Mayor Lurie, Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee, and dozens of other leaders supported the launch. The fundraising goal is $10 million; the San Francisco Foundation pledged $2 million and has raised about $500,000 so far. Alameda County supervisors Elisa Marquez and Nikki Fortunato Bas pledged $50,000 each pending approval. The fund aims to cover rent, food and economic ripple effects when family members are detained.

Read at sfist.com