Estamos aqui. We are here for you. Covid 19 Statement

19 March 2020

Estamos aqui. Esperanza United (formerly Casa de Esperanza) is here for you. These are unprecedented times and we are committed to doing everything we can to keep our community of survivors, staff, partners, service providers, and advocates safe and healthy. The work we do together to support the Latin@ community in building healthy relationships and families is as critical as ever.

In alignment with recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Minnesota Department of Health, Esperanza United is adjusting how we work. We’re continuing to provide the following critical services but have closed our offices in the Twin Cities with plans to re-open April 13. You can still reach us via email, our website, and our administrative line, 651-646-5553. Please know we continue to provide our Minnesota hotline, El Refugio shelter, and other critical services. 

Esperanza United is available to support you virtually, via phone, email, video chat, or conference call. To maintain social distancing, we’ve canceled all community meetings, conferences, and in-person trainings – for now. We are scheduling online versions of these events, maintaining our webinar schedule, and looking forward to working with you virtually to meet our shared goals. Please feel free to contact us for support, even in these trying times.

As COVID-19 continues to spread throughout the United States, our community will continue to show its resiliency, solidarity, and fortitude. Now is the time to work in unison, if not physically together, to support our most vulnerable members of the community. We are calling on those who can to take the following actions:

  • Help Prevent the Spread: The CDC recommends you clean your hands often, avoid close contact, stay home if you’re sick, cover coughs and sneezes, wear a facemask if you’re sick, and clean and disinfect. Check your state government for more localized recommendations.

  • Take Action: So many things seem uncertain today from our health to childcare to that next paycheck. If you are in need, please ask for support. We at Esperanza United are here for you – even if it’s just to answer your questions about how to access support or other services. Contact us. For those wanting to take additional action, please consider contacting your representative and urging them to ensure that all members of immigrant communities can access health care services, and to protect those with unstable housing, in violent homes, and in detention. 

  • Share Resources: Have a great do-from-home activity with kids? Did you hear about a local housing-assistance program? Do you have new resources or ideas that will help local organizations? Share it with your community. This is new for all of us and we are all learning as we go, us included. Let us start by sharing information now about the 24-hour hotlines available to those experiencing abuse in Minnesota (651.772.1611), domestic violence nationwide (800.799.7233) or sexual assault nationwide (800.656,4673). We are not closing and neither are the national hotlines! Help is available in English and Spanish, wherever you are and regardless of immigration status.

We at Esperanza United are thankful to be part of an amazing and strong community that is working together to keep all of us safe. We are learning from each other, leaning on one another, and rising to address this crisis. Thank you for being in this with us.

Gracias y mantenerse saludables,

The Esperanza United Team