LULAC of Illinois Provides Relief to Latino Community in Flint, Michigan
January 30, 2016
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – The Illinois LULAC Immigration Committee will be taking critical resources to the Latino community in Flint, Michigan. According to leaders from the area, approximately 5000 Latinos reside on the east side of Flint and many fear utilizing federal programs due to their legal status.
Immigration committee member Julie Contreras indicated that the organization will bring water, baby formula, and other vital resources to the community. “Along with bringing supplies, we also hope to ensure that the Latino community is aware of their rights in order to protect their families during this critical time and has access to information and resources."
On Saturday, January 30, LULAC of Illinois Immigration Committee, along with the Genesee County Hispanic/Latino Collaborative, will be hosting a Know Your Rights Workshop. The workshop will take place at the Woodside Church located on 1509 E Court Street from 5:30 P.M. to 7:30 P.M. Representatives from the EPA, MALDEF, American Red Cross and the Mexican Consulate will also participate in the workshop.
“We are grateful for all the assistance and donations we have received for the Latino community of Flint,” said San Juana Olivares, chair of the Genesee County Hispanic/Latino Collaborative. “We will work to ensure that the information regarding the water crisis is distributed in Spanish and that the community understands they cannot continue to drink the lead-contaminated tap water."
In addition, LULAC National is consulting with staff from Senator Gary Peters’ office to ensure that federal legislation related to the water crisis in Michigan addresses the unique needs of the Latino community – including the creation and timely dissemination of linguistically appropriate information.
"Governor Rick Snyder and his administration failed to recognize and promptly address the water crisis in Flint, Michigan and as a result thousands of innocent people were poisoned," said LULAC National Executive Director Brent Wilkes. "Governor Snyder's failure to protect the health and welfare of the residents of Flint demonstrates that he is unfit to serve in office. LULAC calls upon the governor to resign from office immediately. "
The Red Cross and LULAC will distribute the supplies immediately following the workshop from 7:30 P.M. to 9:00 P.M.
The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is the nation’s largest and oldest civil rights volunteer-based organization that empowers Hispanic Americans and builds strong Latino communities. Headquartered in Washington, DC, with 1000 councils around the United States and Puerto Rico, LULAC’s programs, services and advocacy address the most important issues for Latinos, meeting critical needs of today and the future. For more information, visit www.LULAC.org.