Immigrant Support Resources
Resources for supporting immigrant individuals and families in our state.
How to help our immigrant neighbors.
Small steps matter.
Many of you have asked how to offer support amid what’s unfolding in our city and beyond. If you feel called to act, we invite you to explore the trusted organizations below and help in ways that feel right to you.
IN OUR NEIGHBORHOOD
Who: Students Attending Ella Baker Global Studies & Humanities School and Their Families.
Serving Pre-K through 8th grade, Ella Baker is home to a significant number of immigrant families. Nearly half of Ella Baker students have not been attending school because their families are afraid to leave their homes.
Action Item:
We have met with Ella Baker School leadership to learn about their immediate needs and how we can help provide direct support.
If you are able to help meet their needs, please complete this brief Google form, where their needs are listed, and we will contact you in the coming days.
Additionally, the need for financial assistance for immigrant families is significant. Many families are already behind on rent and utilities because they are not able to work. Are you able to contribute to our Immigration Justice Fund to help support families in need? Under the section: "Select the fund to which you would like to donate," select the Immigration Justice Fund from the drop down list.
IN YOUR HOME
How to Talk with Children about ICE
As you continue to navigate your own and your children’s questions, concerns, and strong emotions, we want to share an additional resource for having these ongoing conversations.
Talking to Children About Ice, created by Delia Koolick of our JEWL Care Team, is intended to support families as questions arise and to offer developmentally appropriate ways to think about these conversations. We are grateful for Delia’s leadership and care in preparing this thoughtful guidance.
Jewish tradition teaches areyvut, the value of mutual responsibility, reminding us that we are not meant to face moments of uncertainty alone. We are strengthened through community, compassion, and our responsibility to care for one another. These values guide our work each day.
Please know that we are here for you and your family, should you need to talk. Thank you for the trust you place in us.
Early Risers Podcast’s Post has additional resources.
IN OUR CITY
Additional Support for Minneapolis Families
Know Your Rights
You can support vulnerable individuals and families by educating yourself on legal rights in interactions with ICE agents:
Know Your Rights from UNIDOS MN
What ICE Agents Can and Can't Do from the Star Tribune
Donate Food
Do not donate expired foodstuffs.
Many families are unable to leave their homes and need emergency food and supplies. The following links provide lists of most-needed items.
Joyce Food Shelf Shelf-stable foods and household items are accepted Fridays from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon
Picnic Linden Hills This drop-off site for Joyce Food Shelf accepts donations of shelf-stable foods and household during these business hours
Moona Moono Restaurant, This drop-off site for Emergency Uptown Food Drive accepts donations of shelf-stable foods and household items on Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays from 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. and Wednesdays from 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Provide Pro-Bono Legal Support (attorneys only)
Immigration Court Observers (No special skills needed; training provided)
The Advocates for Human Rights Attend hearings at Fort Snelling Immigration Court and witness document issues relating to due process and fair trials.
Interpreters (Especially French, Spanish, Oromo, Somali, Arabic, Spanish, and Hmong)
Support Small Businesses
Restaurants and coffee shops may be struggling with staffing shortages or disruption to the regular flow of business.
The most oft-repeated commandment in the Torah is to “love the stranger.”
In these difficult times, we have a sacred opportunity to put these words into action.