RESOURCES to SEND SUPPORT FOR TWIN CITIES / MINNESOTA: GOOD family message

 Resources to help people affected by ICE and Deportation threats

Minnesota is home to large populations of immigrants, especially from east Africa and southeast Asia- it was one of the few areas to welcome Hmong refugees after the Vietnam war and continues to have faith-based, private foundations, and state-supported efforts at immigrant and refugee settlement in the U.S.   As with most of the U.S., much of the Twin Cities and regional economy is sustained there by the work of immigrant community members; many immigrants impacted by ICE and CBP efforts are here lawfully, and are now being intimidated by ICE agents.  Citizens and people in the US here lawfully feel threatened, and are not always able to get to work, drop off their kids at school, or worship where they want to. The economy of the region is slowed by the nearly relentless attacks by the federal government and various non-state actors.  The Twin Cities are also an urban center for Native Americans, and a range of efforts provide resources for their communities. 

Renee Good’s family issued a statement that is incredibly touching, and the GoFundME campaign was closed when it reached $1.5 million dollars. They asked that further donations go to groups helping any group helping with immigrant and refugee people, and the general good of people. Please note that on Friday, Jan. 9, the current administration moved to freeze SNAP benefits to 5 states, including Minnesota. 

 Below are SOME of the groups that provide support to people under assault. The groups listed below are established and reputable groups based on our research, but the information below will be edited, and we cannot verify every group carefully.  As with all donations, please be careful and do your research.  We are better equipped to say that the local groups are very sound.  

 Lutheran Social Service  in the Minnesota region provides a wide range of services. The link is here, and their website provides a comprehensive summary of the services and support that they provide in the region.

MIRAC is an all-volunteer, grassroots, multiracial, and multinational immigrant rights mass-movement organization. MIRAC fights for legalization for all, an end to immigration raids and deportations, an end to all anti-immigrant laws, and full equality in all areas of life. Link here 

Unidos MN is a grassroots organization that builds power with Minnesota's working families to advance social, racial, and economic justice for all. Born from the strength of the DREAMER movement, we place immigration, education, and climate justice at the heart of our work. As an intersectional and intergenerational organization led by women and multiracial communities, they unite people from all backgrounds to fight for a future where everyone can thrive—no exceptions. https://unidos-mn.org/. 

American Indian Family Center of Minnesota provides American Indian families with programs and services enriched by traditional American Indian values and culture. https://aifcmn.org/.

Minnesota Indian Women’s Resource Center https://www.miwrc.org/ provides programs designed to educate and empower Native women and their families, and to inform and assist those who work providing services to the community. Programs reflect the needs of our families, and are tailored to address issues that significantly affect their well being; such as family services, affordable housing, chemical dependency, mental health care, cultural resilience and healing, and other family and community issues.

Minneapolis American Indian Center provides educational, health, employment, and social services to the Twin Cities urban Native community. We are a community hub that celebrates and uplifts Native culture and is open to all. https://www.maicnet.org/.