A homeless Colombian family with children had been sheltered by DHCD in a Kingston shelter until very recently. The mother entered the U.S. with Humanitarian Parole but, unlike Haitian parolees who qualify, she was denied SNAP and cash benefits because of her status. She reached out to La Colaborativa who helped her with periodic food cards, but that was not sustainable. Other families at the shelter tried to share some of their food, but it was not enough. With few resources and far from any employment opportunities, she left and was staying with “someone she met.” La Colaborativa is trying to reconnect with her.

A mother and two children from Turkey who is living in Greater Boston asked Jewish Family and Children’s Services for help. The mother has had a pending application for political asylum since 2018 based on a very abusive relationship with her former partner in Turkey. The mother was granted work authorization and has been working two jobs to support her children, but her pay is too low to make ends meet. Her income is low enough to qualify for SNAP - but she is barred from SNAP because of her pending asylum status.

A family of three from Africa, working with Greater Boston Legal Services, entered the United States seeking medical care for their severely disabled young child. The parents planned to stay here only a few months for critical medical care and return home to their other child. The child’s medical needs are so extensive, they have spent all their savings. The family was granted Deferred Action for purposes of the medical care, but are not eligible for SNAP or TAFDC benefits and do not know when they can return home.

A family getting medical help for their disabled child at Boston Children’s Hospital was granted Deferred Action based on the child’s medical needs. This family is also ineligible for SNAP and TAFDC due to their immigration status.

A low-income full-time student, born in South America, became a Lawful Permanent Resident two years ago. She is attending a Massachusetts public college, living off campus and supporting herself with odd jobs. She shared with MLRI that her family members can’t help her financially because they are struggling since COVID. This student was denied SNAP twice due to the 5 year waiting period.