Recently a story appeared in the Johnson City Press that caught the attention of the Social Justice Committee, and we felt a strong pull to help.
When COVID-19 closed schools in Tennessee, Oscar lost his job. He and Ashley tried to make ends meet for their family of seven between Ashley’s job, their savings account, and landscaping work Oscar got, but it was tight. Really tight.
Then Congress passed the CARES Act with economic relief payments for families across the country and Ashley and Oscar breathed a sigh of relief. Until they found out their family will receive nothing.
Ashley and all five of their children are U.S. citizens, but they have been excluded from the government's $2 trillion relief package on a technicality.
Oscar has an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number instead of a Social Security Number because he is an undocumented worker, and Ashley and Oscar filed their 2019 taxes jointly. Had they filed separately Ashley would have received $3700 in relief for the family.
Ashley reached out to elected officials. All she heard back is that Congress will have to resolve it.
What you can do to help
If you can, please consider making a monetary donation.
You can donate directly via PayPal to aarcher@johnsoncitytn.org.
If you’d prefer to send a check, you can email SocialJustice@hvuuc.org to receive a mailing address. (Please consider including a note that you’re with HVUUC.)
Send a note of encouragement and solidarity to Ashley, Oscar, and their family. Just email SocialJustice@hvuuc.org, and the committee will happily forward our messages.
Sign this petition demanding legislators correct this injustice.
Contact your U.S. representative and Senators Alexander and Blackburn and ask them to take action to ensure all citizens receive this crucial aid.