Bay Area leaders create immigrant safety net fund: "We've got your back"

"The Stand Together Bay Area Fund has raised approximately $500,000 so far, and the San Francisco Foundation has pledged to raise an additional $2 million, with the hope of pooling contributions from lawmakers, individuals, faith communities and nonprofits. The fund will be administered by San Francisco nonprofit Mission Asset Fund's immigration program ALMA. Immigrant families who have had a family member detained or deported can seek financial support from ALMA through direct cash assistance, rental support and mutual aid networks."

"At Friday's press conference with San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie and San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, Alameda County Supervisors Nikki Fortunato Bas and Marquez contributed $50,000 each from their offices. It's the latest step by the pair of lawmakers to support the Bay Area's immigrant community, which comes after founding the Alameda County Together For All Commission in 2025 to proactively respond to federal immigration policy changes."

"We're here to tell our immigrant community, 'We belong here, and we aren't going anywhere,' Alameda County Supervisor Elisa Márquez said. 'My family, your families, everyone around here, we built this region. We are the backbone. We are the infrastructure. And we continue to maintain it.'"

Bay Area leaders and the San Francisco Foundation launched the Stand Together Bay Area Fund to support immigrant families facing ICE detention and deportation. The fund aims to raise $10 million to offer financial and legal assistance, including direct cash assistance, rental support and mutual aid networks. Mission Asset Fund's immigration program ALMA will administer aid. The fund has raised about $500,000 so far and the San Francisco Foundation pledged to help raise an additional $2 million. Local officials and community groups are contributing and soliciting donations from lawmakers, individuals, faith communities and nonprofits to bolster the safety net for immigrants.

Read at The Mercury News