FAQ
What is the UndocuFund?
The UndocuFund is a collective local effort to ensure that undocumented individuals and families displaced by the fires and impacted by disasters (like the coronavirus pandemic) have the support and resources necessary to recover and rebuild their lives in Sonoma County, where many have put down deep roots. Affected immigrants include our friends, neighbors, coworkers, and fellow students. Many care for our children and elderly parents; clean our homes and hotel rooms; cook and serve our restaurant meals; maintain our lawns and landscaping; and tend to and harvest the grapes that are the backbone of our County’s economy.
How does the Fund help undocumented immigrants?
The Fund assists individuals and families who have lost their homes, wages, and/or employment with expenses, including but not limited to: temporary housing, home repairs, rent, groceries, essential household items, clean-up items, medical and dental expenses, tools and equipment required for work, school supplies, repair of essential vehicles, moving and storage expenses, and funeral and burial expenses.
Who is involved?
The UndocuFund is a partnership among three Sonoma County-based grassroots organizations that have a solid reputation, strong track record, and are known to and trusted by many undocumented residents: Graton Day Labor Center, North Bay Organizing Project, and North Bay Jobs with Justice. It has been supported by a large network of immigrant-serving organizations that have close ties to immigrant communities across Sonoma County and that helped publicize the fund and identify eligible individuals and families. As a result, the UndocuFund is more likely to reach undocumented fire victims than other relief efforts.
How are the funds managed?
North Bay Organizing Project serves as fiscal sponsor. NBOP is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit entity; NBOP’s tax identification number is 45-2369887.
Why does the UndocuFund focus solely on Sonoma County?
Sonoma County was the area that was most severely impacted by the 2017 wildfires, and the three founding organizations work largely in this county, this is where it was founded.
Why is a fund specifically for undocumented immigrants needed?
Unlike other disaster victims, undocumented immigrants do not qualify for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Even when they or their children are eligible for disaster relief services, their lack of immigration status, limited English proficiency, and fear of immigration enforcement prevent them from seeking assistance. Their discomfort or lack of familiarity with law enforcement, county government, and mainstream aid organizations present additional barriers.
How many undocumented immigrants were affected?
An estimated 38,5001 undocumented immigrants live and work in Sonoma County. While precise numbers are unavailable, undocumented immigrants predominantly work in sectors that have been or will be hard hit, including service, hospitality, child and elder care, day labor, wine, and agriculture more broadly.
Who was eligible for support from the UndocuFund?
Undocumented immigrants who are residents of Sonoma County and heads of household who have experienced loss of housing, vehicles, other possessions, wages, and/or jobs from identified disasters.
What was the application process?
The streamlined application process utilizes a simple intake form, which is completed by community partner organizations and/or trained volunteers. The staffs of these partner organizations have experience in case management and client services, and they have been specifically trained on the UndocuFund intake and referral process. Once an application has been submitted, it undergoes a review process that includes verification and other due diligence.
Who makes the decisions?
A steering committee with representatives from the Graton Day Labor Center, North Bay Organizing Project, and North Bay Jobs with Justice, in consultation with immigrant community leaders, has established the eligibility criteria, developed a streamlined application process, and put in place verification procedures, as well as guidelines for determining awards. Upon completion of a thorough review process and final review and approval by the steering committee, funds are disbursed to families and individuals in need according to established criteria and guideline.
How does the UndocuFund guard against fraud?
A set of verification procedures and internal controls are in place to ensure that funds go to families and individuals who meet the eligibility criteria. The UndocuFund utilizes at least two reviewers per application, and due diligence involves checking more than one source to confirm applicants’ identities and how they have been impacted by the fires. For example, if an applicant indicated that she lost wages due to the fires, the UndocuFund will request pay stubs if available, obtain an affidavit for the employer, and other forms of verification. Applicants will be asked to attest to the accuracy of information provided to the UndocuFund. Provision of false information will result in immediate disqualification for assistance.
What percentage of my donation went to fire victims?
The aim is to get as much aid to families. Our strive to obtain grants to cover administrative costs; otherwise about 10% of contributions are spent on administrative costs, including administration and disbursement of the funds, as well as credit-card processing fees.
Is my donation tax deductible?
Yes, your donation is made to a 501(c)(3) organization and is tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Are you accepting donations of clothing, furniture, tools, etc.?
Thanks to the incredible outpouring of community support, we do not accept small-scale donations. We will make a public announcement if that changes.
How can I volunteer and/or support the UndocuFund?
- Tell your friends and family to donate.
- Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter. (Doing so helps us reach more people.)
- Organize a benefit event.
- Hold a fund drive at your place of work.