Taking care of your health as much as you can during the coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak is key for undocumented individuals and their families. This is a stressful time for everyone and especially for those who cannot take paid time off from their jobs.

Undocumented persons may have had their hours reduced or stopped, while others working in jobs and fields considered “essential” must continue to go in despite the risk to their health, said Concepcion Barrio, interim executive vice dean of the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work and associate professor. Barrio provides some resources to help those who are undocumented in our communities navigate through this unprecedented time.

Check in with the local Mexican Consulate

Mexican Consulates are located in most major cities and are a good resource for information. For example, the Mexican Consulate in Los Angeles’ website is in Spanish and has created a special webpage related to COVID-19. The consulate’s website contains information about prevention of the virus and treatment, local food banks, programs for students and seniors, information on emergency shelters and more. There is also a toll free number: 800. 593.8222.

Reach out to the mayor’s office

Your local mayor’s office is also a good source of information about resources and news specific to where you live. For example, several cities including Los Angeles and San Francisco, are protecting tenants from evictions during this period through “eviction moratorium emergency orders.” Some water, electricity and gas utilities are suspending shut-off service temporarily.

City of Los Angeles COVID-19 website
State of California COVID-19 response website

Connect with your local church

Churches are rising to support communities during this crisis. For example, the Dream Center is offering students and seniors within five miles of its facility free meals, the Holy Family Church in South Pasadena is expanding its outreach and food distribution. Check with your local church to see what might be available in your area.

Other good resources

This resource guide created by the California Immigrant Youth Justice Alliance has general information for undocumented Californians and specific links to resources in Northern and Southern California.

Centro Maravilla Service Center - Emergency Food Assistance Program: starting March 20, by appointment ONLY. Call 323.260.2804 Monday-Feiday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm for an appointment. 

San Gabriel Valley Service Center - Emergency Food Assistance Program: starting March 18, by appointment ONLY. Call 626.575.5431 Monday-Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm for an appointment.

We will continue to update this page with more resources as the situation develops and remind everyone to monitor the news daily to get the latest information.