The COVID-19 pandemic has caused complications in life. Undocumented and Student Visa families and individuals are among the hardest hit groups by COVID-19. They face many obstacles and challenges obtaining resources and health care services needed to stay safe, due to immigration policies. Many of these families and individuals have lost their jobs due to the rise of COVID-19.
Mohammad came to the United States two years ago on a student visa which will expire in 2023, and scholarships for both him and his wife. Both came here to Chicago to finish at one of the top Universities in the state. His wife is blind and 8 months pregnant, they also have a six-year-old child. Mohammad who works at a university to help provide for his family is facing many challenges during COVID-19. Unfortunately, he lost his job; therefore, he was terrified of how he was going to pay rent, buy food, clothes, and provide for his family especially with a newborn baby.
Now, Mohammad is struggling between caring for his blind pregnant wife, child, and leaving the house to go to work. Due to barriers that he got during this crisis; finding a caregiver for the new baby and his blind wife while working, he knew no one in the United States. They have no family or friends here in this country where they can reach for help. They are not receiving any public benefits due to their immigration status.
However, once AAFS becomes involved, you know there is always hope in finding ways to improve clients’ lives. After, a thorough assessment and obtaining necessary information, we immediately set out to see what resources were available to this family. Through AAFS’ strong networks and resources, we were able to connect him with the Colette Louise Tisdahl Foundation that provides relief to women who are pregnant and assisted him in applying for rental assistance, in which he received one month’s rent.
We found a donor who immediately ordered a crib, mattress, and a car seat so that the baby is safe while traveling and has a nice bed to sleep soundly in. We had other donors provide a stroller, baby bouncer, diapers, bibs, food donations, and clothes for all the family members.
We also helped them find the necessary resources and connect them with many different organizations for assistance. We helped the family to obtain health insurance, SNAP (food stamps), and WIC for their kids. Also, we were successfully able to assist and support them with their needs and considered their situation in the most helpful manner. Mohammad is grateful and stated, “we may not have family here, but AAFS became our family. We could not have imagined people who cared this much. You have given me hope, and strength to continue to move forward and I hope to be able to pay it back in the future. You lifted my burden.”
