Amid the COVID-19 crisis, Morris County Organization for Hispanic Affairs (MCOHA) is leading this project to provide direct emergency assistance such as grocery store gift cards, diapers and formula, and personal protective equipment to low-income families and seniors. In addition, vulnerable families who are facing eviction and homelessness have received assistance with rent and utilities, and accessed support services through this work. One phase of this project includes ensuring that families can access educational and support services such as unemployment filing assistance, get help with navigating the legal system as it transitions to virtual platforms, and receive tutoring and mental health support for children from the safety of their home. In addition to serving Morris County, MCOHA has expanded its programs to serve households in Sussex County. To meet the needs of residents in Warren County, specifically Hackettstown, MCOHA has partnered with Trinity United Methodist Church in this work. Through this project, MCOHA and its community partner are advancing efforts to connect residents with existing resources, which could inform an equitable recovery.

In February 2021, nearly one year after the onset of the pandemic, Xiomara Guevara, Executive Director of Morris County Organization for Hispanic Affairs, recorded her reflections on the impact of this work and shared the agency’s goals and recommendations for an equitable recovery. Scroll down to watch the video.