PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. — A Palm Beach County non-profit organization is reaching out to one of our hardest hit communities of the coronavirus pandemic.
“This has been a reality for a long time," said Daniel Morgan.
Morgan is used to seeking out people hiding from the system.
“This is the only option for a lot of people," said Morgan.
He works at the Guatemalan Maya Center in Lake Worth, a place dedicated to advocating for the migrant community.
“But now we are seeing a lot more people asking for help," said Morgan.
People like Julio, a restaurant cook on Palm Beach who lost his job because of COVID-19.
“I need food, I need a lot of stuff, you know water," said Julio.
Morgan said resources for undocumented workers are scarce.
“What happens when you’re a farm worker or construction worker and you don’t have access to those benefits? There is no check coming in for you, theres no food stamps for you. There’s no medicaid for yourself or your children," said Morgan.
Morgan is not only worried about his client’s financial security. Health during the pandemic is a major concern, like on one street in particular in Lake Worth
Morgan said multiple families share one home.
“We share houses with my cousin, I have six kinds in the house," said one of the residents.
Making social distancing almost impossible. This woman who doesn’t want to be identified because of her status said her husband who is a repair worker is now only working three days a week.
“It’s really hard," the woman said.
She said she doesn’t know how they will afford their bills. She takes care of the kids and helps them with school.
“We only got one laptop for all the kids and it’s five kids in school," the woman said.
Morgan said the Guatemalan Maya Center is ramping up its efforts while trying to follow CDC guidelines. But he said they need donations and help.
“We got through April, but May is right around the corner and I can guarantee you that there’s a lot of families who don’t know how they are going to pay that bill," said Morgan.
To donate to the Guatemalan Maya Center, click here.
