In San Francisco, as in other cities, the lines at food pantries, pawnshops, and free markets have been growing due to the economic devastation caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
For many Latinx immigrants in those lines, the virus is particularly complicated and toxic. Immigrants who had gained a place in the American economy through a small business, saw it crushed by the virus.
For the undocumented among them, staying at home meant no income and no government help. Instead, they made the daily decision to continue working in restaurants, food delivery, or construction. It was a decision that meant higher rates of infection, sickness, and in some cases, death.
June 26, 2020 | Mission Local
The Diary of a Mission District Couple’s Struggle to Stay Afloat During a Pandemic
As with many immigrants, Connie and Ricardo's stores represent the physical proof of their success. But they have balanced pressure to reopen with safety concerns throughout the pandemic.
June 24, 2020 | Mission Covid, Mission Local
Food Bank Lines Filled With Stories of Life and Death
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the food lines snake down the street and around the corner, spilling over from one block to the next in San Francisco.
June 23, 2020 | Mission Local, Mission Covid
Dialing for Dollars: Undocumented Immigrants Struggle With Swamped Phone System to Obtain California COVID-19 Funds
The largest state relief program for undocumented immigrants has $500 debit cards reserved for approximately 3,000 San Francisco residents — but getting one of those cards is proving to be difficult.
June 22, 2020 | Mission Local, Mission Covid
Isolating With COVID-19 Traumatizes Even the Asymptomatic
Regina still gets teary when she recalls the moment she learned that her household—four adults and five children—had been exposed to COVID-19.