Governor Newsom Unveils Disaster Relief Fund for California Workers Impacted by COVID-19

California Governor Gavin Newsom announced the economic engine of the Golden State must be deliberately tuned-up and be ready to fire up once the stay-at-home orders are eased. To move toward that time, new initiatives were unveiled today to support California workers impacted by #COVID19.

The Governor announced an unprecedented $125-million disaster relief assistance program. This first in the nation, statewide public-private partnership will provide financial support to undocumented immigrants impacted by COVID-19. California will provide $75 million in disaster relief assistance and philanthropic partners have committed to raising an additional $50 million.

“California is the most diverse state in the nation. Our diversity makes us stronger and more resilient. Every Californian, including our undocumented neighbors and friends, should know that California is here to support them during this crisis,” said Governor Newsom, who noted this group contributes $2.5 billion in taxes. “We are all in this together.”

The Disaster Relief Fund will support undocumented Californians impacted by COVID-19 who are ineligible for unemployment insurance benefits and disaster relief, including the CARES Act, due to their immigration status. Roughly 150,000 undocumented adult Californians will receive a one-time cash benefit of $500 per adult with a cap of $1,000 per household to deal with the specific needs arising from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The state’s fund will be dispersed through a community-based model of regional nonprofits with expertise and experience serving undocumented communities. Grantmakers Concerned with Immigrants and Refugees (GCIR), a network of foundations focused on immigration issues, has committed to raising $50 million to support direct financial assistance to families of undocumented immigrants through the California Immigrant Resilience Fund. Initial lead investments of $5.5 million came from Emerson Collective, Blue Shield of California Foundation, The California Endowment, The James Irvine Foundation, Chan Zuckerberg Initiative and an anonymous donor, among others.

The Employment Development Department will launch a new call center on Monday that will operate on an expanded basis seven days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. The EDD will also operate a one-stop shop for individuals applying for unemployment insurance and the new federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program starting April 28. The program will allow self-employed and independent contractors to secure coverage.

“Many Californians are one paycheck away from losing their homes or from being able to put food on their tables, and COVID-19 has only made these challenges worse,” said Newsom. “California is focused on getting relief dollars and unemployment assistance in the hands of those who need it as quickly as possible.”

For comments, questions or concerns, please contact Dennis Kaiser