New COVID-19 relief fund created to benefit undocumented workers

The Latino Community Association created the fund to help those who may not receive a federal stimulus paycheck

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- As Americans across the nation began to receive their stimulus checks, one group is being left out: undocumented workers.

Despite the fact some undocumented workers pay taxes, because they have no Social Security number, they will not be receiving any stimulus funds.

According to the Latino Community Association in Bend, about 25% of Latinos in Central Oregon will not be receiving a stimulus check, even though they pay taxes. That's why the non-profit is starting a COVID-19 Immigrant Family Relief Fund, to help people who may have been laid off.

The non-profit hopes to raise around $150,000, with all of the proceeds going toward families.

Brad Porterfield, the executive director for the Latino Community Association, decided to donate part of his stimulus check to the fund.

"I got my stimulus check yesterday. It landed in my bank account and I donated $500 to our relief fund," Porterfield said. "I think there are a whole lot of people that will be receiving these stimulus payments that don't need them."

Porterfield expects the fund to help about 130 families.

In order to be eligible for the relief fund, you must meet one of the following criteria.

• Be an undocumented worker.
• Have an undocumented family member.
• Have been laid off due to COVID-19.
• Have not received significant help from other similar non-profits.

Applications for the relief fund will start next week at the Latino Community Association in Bend.