Sometimes it is the little things that are most helpful.
If your community is supportive of immigrants, you can do some stuff on a rotation schedule
Keep in mind that they might not be able to go to work anymore, that they may run out of money, medicine and food. Most of all they are probably scared to go out at all in public.
- Offer to drop/pick up their kids at school – I know the school year’s almost over but it’s still helpful
- Offer to shop for a family near you, in your building or neighborhood
- If you can offer them to stay temporarily with you (if they are not safe in their house/apt)
- Cook a bit of extra food for your immigrant neighbor who may no longer be able to work/afford food
- Try to make kids keep a semblance of normalcy invite them for play dates, sleepovers etc… just for a couple of hours
- If they don’t have washing machines offer to do the laundry for them
- Let them know if your house is a safe house, like if they spot ice at their door/neighborhood can they come to yours for a few hours?
- Have a code, if someone is picked up by ICE can they quickly text you and you’ll secure their kid? Even if it’s only to take them to another family member?
- Heck if they are deported, can you make sure you get their most precious belongings (photos / papers) and send them to them once they are back in their countries. (these things matter).
These are just some ideas, try to think of simple things you can do, how you can organize your community to help, to offer those near you moral support and to let them know they are not alone in this.
Remember any little thing they do not have to constantly worry about is a sliver of peace of mind that you’re gifting someone.
#TheAmericanHaitianPoet #Woke #SocialPoetry
Paypal.me/murielvieux (To help Haitian families)
Muriel Vieux – June 10th, 2025 – ©All rights reserved
