If you haven’t yet learned who CALEB is, let us blow your mind. CALEB is an institutional coalition of faith-based, labor, and community groups working to build power to affect change right here in Chattanooga, TN. They do that through a number of ways outlined on their website including, a Community Bail Fund, a network of volunteers to attend Eviction Court and document those who might need assistance, an Immigration Bond Fund, and through a partnership with Tennessee United, the new El Pueblo Fund.
The Latinx community is 5.9% of the population of Hamilton County, but by June 24th represented 61% of COVID cases and 34% of COVID-related deaths. With rising numbers of infection, El Pueblo Fund offers necessary support to help the Latinx community directly with monetary support.
Disbursement of funds is happening immediately. The fund will allow families to shelter in place at home or a hotel (depending how many people are covid19 positive per household). Knowing their bills and basic needs will be covered, will allow them to quarantine safely. The fund will cover rent and bills, basic needs such as diapers, formula, medicine and personal hygiene products. Having that peace of mind during quarantine is also needed for sound mental health. We all need that.