COVID-19 has presented our community with many challenges such as job loss, food and financial insecurity, and housing instability. The crisis has had an impact on many undocumented adults residing in California. To help this vulnerable community with the financial burdens, the state of California has created the Disaster Relief Assistance for Immigrants (DRAI) project. The project provides one-time, state-funded disaster relief assistance to undocumented adults who are ineligible for other forms of assistance, including assistance under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and pandemic unemployment benefits, because of their immigration status. This state funding is expected to reach about 150,000 undocumented adults.

An undocumented adult who qualifies can receive $500 in direct assistance, with a maximum of $1000 in assistance per household. The disaster relief assistance will be administered and delivered through twelve nonprofit organizations. Catholic Charities is helping undocumented adults apply for this vital DRAI support. The assistance will help immigrants and their families who have experienced financial hardship as a result of COVID-19 with food, shelter, medical and childcare, and other basic expenses.

Direct assistance will be distributed until the funding is spent or until June 30, 2020. Applicants will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis.

To ask questions and apply to the program: 415-324-1011 
Mondays through Saturdays, 8 a.m.–8 p.m.
Visit the Catholic Charities webpage

Given the economic hardship undocumented adults are experiencing due to COVID-19, this disaster relief assistance may run out within a very short period, so we encourage you to apply early.