805 UndocuFund receives a $1 million anonymous gift

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif. - An anonymous donor has contributed $1 million to 805 UndocuFund - providing a major boost to help undocumented workers during the pandemic.

“This is the largest gift to the Fund since it was created in 2018,” said Eder Gaona -Macedo, Executive Director of Future Leaders of America – one of several nonprofit groups that operate the relief fund. “We are thrilled by this generous gift which will allow us to help more than 800 families.”

The anonymous gift brings the total raised for pandemic relief for undocumented immigrants to $2.6 million – with $3.4 million more needed to meet the $6 million fundraising goal.

The UndocuFund is sending $1,200 checks to applicants who have lost jobs at local businesses.

“Families have not worked since mid-March and are behind on rent and are feeling desperate about affording the basics including groceries and covering their utility bills,” Eder said.

The 805 UndocuFund launched in 2018 to help immigrants in the aftermath of the Thomas Fire and Montecito Debris Flow. The Fund distributed nearly $2 million to 1,300 families, some of whom lost homes, their employment or wages.

Donations can be made through the Ventura County Community Foundation and designated for the 805 UndocuFund.

For more information, visit www.805UndocuFund.org.