Coachella officially launches monthly income program for low-income immigrant families
The city of Coachella has officially launched its program that will provide $400 monthly to 140 low-income immigrant families for two years.
The Coachella Immigrant Families Recovery Program launched on Wednesday. It's a partnership between the city and the Northern California-based Mission Asset Fund (MAF).
The program provides financial assistance to low-income immigrant families excluded from federal assistance stemming from COVID-19, including the expanded Child Tax Credit.
The program has been in the works since at least April. It was officially passed by the city council in July.
“We have developed a comprehensive universal basic income program that targets our most vulnerable residents,” stated Mayor Steven Hernandez. “Together with MAF, we intend to make this program successful by changing the lives of those families.”
Coachella residents can apply through a portal on the program website for thirty days until November 11th at 5 p.m. PT.
The program's website is: https://www.missionassetfund.org/Coachella-ifrp/
Officials said rather than using a lottery system or a first-come, first-served approach, MAF will review all applications once the application period has closed and select those families who stand to benefit most from the program.
“Although this cash assistance program is only limited to 140 families, our ongoing commitment will be to provide all of our residents with the guidance and resources to work toward better financial stability,” said Councilman Neftali Galarza.
Funding for the program comes from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds in the amount of $1,008,000.
Families who qualify will receive $400 monthly in cash assistance for up to 24 months.
Officials said the goal of is to help Coachella families rebuild their lives with dignity through financial coaching, group workshops and self-advocacy training.
“The COVID-19 pandemic devastated the financial lives of many, but immigrant families who were excluded from federal relief were especially hit hard,” said MAF CEO José Quiñonez. “Through our partnership with the City of Coachella, we’re providing not just cash assistance, but also financial services and skills trainings to support immigrant families in their long-term financial recovery.”
Program staff will conduct extensive community outreach in relation to this program through planned Virtual Community Workshops and the sharing of information through the City’s social media platforms, their website, and through distribution of flyers at community locations.
