Unlike others who lost work as a result of COVID-19, many immigrants were excluded from any federal aid, unemployment, and other safety net programs, in spite of paying billions of dollars in local, state and federal taxes annually. The Oregon Worker Relief Fund supports undocumented immigrants statewide who have been excluded from COVID relief programs but continue to struggle in an unpredictable economy where they face disproportionate economic impacts. You can learn more about the positive impact of Oregon Worker Relief by reading our report, Narrowing The Gap.

As extreme heat and wildfires become more common in Oregon, agricultural workers are forced to choose between working in dangerous conditions or losing out on a paycheck. Extreme heat can lead to heat exhaustion, heat stroke, increased injuries and can even be life threatening. Breathing in air that is polluted with smoke can cause difficulty breathing, lung and heart disease and has been linked to premature death. Due to their working conditions, agricultural workers are more vulnerable than other workers to extreme heat and wildfire smoke. Many agricultural workers cannot afford to miss a day of work and feel compelled to work even in unsafe conditions. No one should ever have to choose between a paycheck or their safety. With this fund, we are protecting the workers who face the most risks from the climate crisis.