TAOS IMMIGRANT ALLIES – MARCH NEWSLETTER

Happy Spring! Now for the bad news.

As reported in last week’s Taos News, Kit Carson Electric Coop mailed out almost 900 disconnect warning notices with more on the way. Many were sent to TIA’s clients. KCEC does not want to disconnect any customers, but our clients are panicking. Although May 4th is the earliest date KC could legally disconnect anyone, our clients believe that they will be disconnected in a few days- the notice was sent out only in English! We are trying to inform our clients with texting and phone calls that their electricity will not be turned off soon. We heard of one member who sold his oxygen tank and supplies to pay his bill, because with no electricity he could not use the oxygen machine anyway. Others are taking out same-day loans, selling things, taking items to pawn shops. We are attempting to help our clients set up practical and realistic payment plans.

Add to this, at the end of the month the Federal CDC eviction restrictions will also be lifted for those behind on rent. The fear of being evicted is palpable.

As we all know, it is a year like none other for over a century. The pandemic has put many out of work or has severely decreased work hours. Whole families may be at home needing more electricity for appliances, heat and Internet for schoolwork. Many are struggling to pay their rent, gas and phone bills and provide food for their family. Some have medical expenses, need gas for their car (if they have one that is running), car repair bills, etc. There are many reasons why their bills are delinquent. Some families have grandparents raising their grandchildren. Some parents cannot work because they need to be at home helping their children with school.

We need to be forward thinking! This economic situation for the lowest income group will not resolve quickly. Those in poverty spend a higher percent of their income on rent, utilities and other mandatory needs, so getting out of poverty – even if they work as hard as they can – is getting more and more difficult. That is if there is even work possible for them. These folks will not be able to get back to their pre-pandemic quality of life for years, and their pre-pandemic situation was not good to begin with. Even if they have some work most undocumented immigrant workers do not receive a living wage. To catch up on overdue bills with insufficient income is often not doable without outside assistance.

The disconnect warning was a big wake-up call! Kristina Ortez sponsored bill HB 206 that sadly was not brought before the Legislative session before it was over. Many of us had hoped for some utility relief from that bill. KCEC CEO Mr. Reyes is working with the NM State Finance and Administration for help with rent and utilities using State CARES funds. TIA has worked extremely hard with our clients’ previous applications for State and Federal funds, but it has been exceedingly difficult in our cash economy as there are no written leases, pay stubs, or landlords accepting W-9s, which are needed to obtain CARES funds.

TIA volunteers have been working tirelessly to help those we serve, but we cannot solve all these issues alone, and Covid-focused grants are disappearing. We are still continuing the 12 Little Free Pantries in our community, family sponsorship, Vaccination registration help, and helping with rent and utility payments, and assisting setting up monthly payment plans.

If anyone in our community is suffering, we are all suffering. The situation has become more visible, the economic inequality more striking and apparent. TIA is trying to help the lowest income group; those in the shadows who often do not even qualify for the most basic assistance. We are all volunteers- 100% of the donations TIA receives are used directly to help our clients. We hope you want to be involved in helping us. Please consider a donation, no matter what amount. Remember, many of those we serve will not receive any check from the Government. We assure you, your donations are thoughtfully distributed to those clients in greatest need, and volunteers and clients alike are deeply grateful.

THERE ARE SEVERAL DIFFERENT WAYS YOU CAN DONATE TO TIA:

Make the check payable to Taos United with TIA on the memo line. Send all mail to: Taos Immigrant Allies – P.O. Box 2287 Taos, NM 87571

Go to our GoFundMe page:

https://www.gofundme.com/zu6jb-taos-immigrant-allies

If you desire a tax deduction letter, please donate by sending a check made out to B’nai Shalom Havurah with TIA on the Memo line to:

B’Nai Shalom Havurah,

810 Dillon Lane, Taos, New Mexico, 87571

Please include your email as well.

— Bea, Del, Jean, Wendy, Susann, Jacob, Diana, Teresa, Gladys, Anita, Bee, and many helpers.