As you may have read, Marshallese families in NW Arkansas are being disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. While they represent only around 2% of our local population, they account for over 50% of our local deaths attributed to COVID-19 (totaling 31 as of July 2, 2020).
Furthermore, data analysis conducted by Arkansas COVID found that not only are Pacific Islanders dying at greater rates than other populations, but they are also dying younger.
Here are five ways to support some of our most vulnerable community members.
Marshallese Educational Initiative staff and volunteers preparing to deliver food
Marshallese Covid-19 Response Fund
As a coordinating organization for the Marshallese Covid-19 Response Task Force, the Marshallese Educational Initiative (MEI) has helped feed approximately 2,000 individual Marshallese residents impacted by COVID-19. Thanks to a second grant from UAMS/Walton Family Foundation, MEI will be able to continue to feed Marshallese families in quarantine for the rest of July. However, the organization notes the need in the community is much greater than food. Donations to this GoFundMe will help MEI provide supplies and help pay families’ utility bills that have gone unpaid due to loss of work/income as a direct result of the pandemic.
To date, the fundraiser has raised over $19,000. The current goal is $20,000.
Sponsor a Family
Local resident Albious Latior has been using his social media to share stories of local Marshallese families impacted by COVID-19 and raising money to connect them with resources needed to fight COVID-19 through an “Adopt a Family” campaign.
With the help of Good Shepherd Luthern Church and donations from individual community members, he has been able to raise $14,000, which has been donated directly to struggling Marshallese families to help them pay for funeral costs and supplement income from lost wages.
Clint Schnekloth, the pastor at Good Shepherd, has launched a second fundraiser to support this effort, which is currently accepting donations.
Update: This fundraiser has ended.
Albious Latior and Clint Schnekloth out delivering checks to families impacted by COVID-19
Albious Latior and Clint Schnekloth out delivering checks to families impacted by COVID-19
Sponsor a Family
Local resident Albious Latior has been using his social media to share stories of local Marshallese families impacted by COVID-19 and raising money to connect them with resources needed to fight COVID-19 through an “Adopt a Family” campaign.
With the help of Good Shepherd Luthern Church and donations from individual community members, he has been able to raise $14,000, which has been donated directly to struggling Marshallese families to help them pay for funeral costs and supplement income from lost wages.
Clint Schnekloth, the pastor at Good Shepherd, has launched a second fundraiser to support this effort, which is currently accepting donations.
Update: This fundraiser has ended.
COVID-19 Testing, Census, Food & Mask Drive-In w/ Arkansas Coalition of Marshallese
Arkansas Marshallese COVID Emergency Fund
Michaela Montie has organized a fundraiser on behalf of Arkansas Coalition of Marshallese with 100% of the proceeds being used to help assist Marshallese families who have tested positive for COVID-19 with rent, utility and medical bills.
To date, the fundraiser has raised over $25,000. They have set a new goal of $35,000.
Grocery Delivery for Marshallese Families
In a related fundraiser, funds are being directed to pay for the purchase and delivery of groceries to families in need. Any funds left over when the need has subsided will be donated to support the broader efforts of the Arkansas Coalition of Marshallese.
Beyond donations, if you’d like to help with the execution of this project you can contact the organizer by text and sign up to be on call to do online grocery ordering.
Emergency Relief Program deliveries by Arkansas Coalition of Marshallese
Emergency Relief Program deliveries by Arkansas Coalition of Marshallese
Grocery Delivery for Marshallese Families
In a related fundraiser, funds are being directed to pay for the purchase and delivery of groceries to families in need. Any funds left over when the need has subsided will be donated to support the broader efforts of the Arkansas Coalition of Marshallese.
Beyond donations, if you’d like to help with the execution of this project you can contact the organizer by text and sign up to be on call to do online grocery ordering.
Purchase a Regional Map Illustration
Lastly, for the month of July, all proceeds from sales of the Northwest Arkansas Regional Map by Y Illustrations will be donated to the Arkansas Coalition of Marshallese. In addition, the artist Yang Lou Branch, has committed to donating $10 for any print available in her online store through the end of the month.
