In the midst of one of the most unprecedented immigration emergencies in North Carolina, where thousands of families have been terrorized by federal immigration agents, food and supply deliveries have been El Pueblo’s response to one of the most urgent needs of the immigrant community in the Triangle area.
In five days, from November 19 to 24, the organization delivered 360 boxes of food to 224 families residing in Wake County. This action also reached residents of Durham, Orange, and Harnett counties.
“We have seen the darkest side of this administration spreading terror among thousands of families in different parts of our state, but at the same time we have witnessed immense solidarity and collaboration among organizations to support those who need it most today,” said Karina Neyra, director of Community Development at El Pueblo. “Solidarity transformed into food donations and the mobilization of volunteers.”
The distribution was carried out door-to-door with the support of the El Pueblo team and volunteers who traveled to various locations to deliver food to those who had contacted the organization.
In addition to food pantries, families received the emergency guide for immigrants, “Familias Seguras” (Safe Families), created by the organization earlier this year.
Stronger Together
El Pueblo received support from the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina, Carolina Forward, and Triangle Mutual Aid.
The latter helped coordinate with Raleigh Brewing Company, Raleigh United Mutual Aid Hub: RUMAH, and Chapel of Bones. In addition, we received private donations from individuals willing to help families who had not been able to go to work or leave their homes for several days.
“On the eve of Thanksgiving, we couldn’t be more grateful and proud to know that our communities have stood up for immigrants not only by donating food, but also by participating in protests and expressing their rejection of Border Patrol’s presence in North Carolina,” said Elke Millán, Special Events Manager at El Pueblo.
El Pueblo will continue to deliver food pantries until next week. After that, their efforts will focus on raising funds to provide another level of assistance to families in the Raleigh area affected by the presence of federal immigration agents.
Like El Pueblo, other local organizations in various parts of the state have begun distributing food pantries and other resources in response to this immigration emergency. The community is encouraged to contact their local organizations or grassroots groups for support or to get involved.
The support of all sectors of the community is needed to continue this work. Those who wish to support El Pueblo can do so by volunteering or donating through their website at https://elpueblo.org/.
