Support for Immigrant Families in Crisis
A chief effort of the Athens Immigrant Rights Coalition is Support For Immigrant Families In Crisis (SIFIC). We support local immigrant families who have limited access to other resources. Whether experiencing the trauma of forced family separation, violence or persecution in their home country, financial loss, or medical crises, we connect these families with networks of solidarity and support while fostering the creation of safe spaces for healing.
Buddies with Families in Crisis
We match a volunteer “buddy” to each family who is then the main point of contact between the family and any possible resources and support. Our goal is to work together to provide emergency assistance and emotional support to our immigrant neighbors in need. All funds donated to SIFIC go directly and entirely to families in need. Our buddies, drivers and other workers volunteer their services for free so that funds directed to SIFIC go 100% to the needs of our partner families.
Financial Assistance
During the pandemic, the Fondo Solidario, operated by Casa de Amistad, the Interfaith Sanctuary Coalition, and SIFIC, provided $829,435 of rent, utility, and other financial assistance. All of the funds we raised have now been allocated, but the financial crisis for un(der)documented immigrants is not over. Health events, detention of family members, housing loss, and other events can quickly throw immigrant and mixed status households into financial and legal crisis. SIFIC’s funds provide support during those critical moments. To do so, we rely upon the larger Athens community to form a network of support: through volunteers, donations, social media activity, and more.