Congreso receives Office of Homeless Services grant 

On August 4th, the City’s Office of Homeless Services (OHS) announced it would be providing nearly $1.5 million to organizations serving the Latinx/Hispanic community – and Congreso is proud to announce we’re among them! These funds will be allocated to Congreso’s COVID19 Homelessness Prevention Program. 

“The Latinx community has been hard hit by COVID. Spanish-speaking people are undercounted among those experience homelessness or extreme housing insecurity. In addition to Esperanza, these funds are going to Congreso de Latinos Unidos and HACE, established providers who are well-known in their communities, have bilingual, bicultural staff, and offer a wide range of other housing and social services. People feel comfortable going to these known, local providers,” said an OHS representative. 

Gracias to the City of Philadelphia Government for your continued support during this challenging time! 

 
 

Congreso's Director of Primary Care speaks on underrepresented communities and COVID-19

Public Testimony to City Council

In late July, Judy Emmons, Director of Primary Care at Congreso’s Health Center, gave a public testimony to Philadelphia’s City Council which highlighted racial disparities related to the coronavirus along with the health center’s own journey in navigating through the pandemic. 

“We know from recent data from the Philadelphia Department of Public Health that Blacks and Latinx make up over 70% of total coronavirus hospitalizations in our city,” said Judy. “In order for us to find equitable solutions together, we must understand the true barriers to health for many Philadelphians,” she continued.  

 

AlDia's Roundtable Talk

On August 13th, Judy also joined experts from University of Pennsylvania and Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission as they took part in Al DÍA News’ most recent RoundTable Talk discussing air quality and its relation to inequalities found in Philadelphia’s underrepresented communities. 

“The most important thing to know right now, while were in the midst of a widespread respiratory virus pandemic, is that air quality can be a contributing factor to respiratory illness and death," said Emmons.

 

We are tremendously proud of Judy for advocating for equity and additional support for our Black and Brown communities during this challenging time! 

 

Community conversation with Resolve Philly & Congreso CDA students

Earlier this summer, Congreso partnered with Resolve Philly, an organization that was formed to address how journalists can more effectively cover communities experiencing racial injustice and economic hardship by including their perspectives and voices directly in reporting. 

On August 13th, Resolve Philly hosted a conversation via Zoom with graduates from Congreso’s Child Development Associate program as well as Program Manager Kim Cromer to gain insight on their experience obtaining the certification virtually during the COVID-19 pandemic.  

One of the students in attendance was Aida Rivera, who touched on conquering mental stressors and technological barriers during quarantine. “My husband lost his job because of COVID,” she continued, “but taking virtual CDA classes allowed me to learn how to navigate a computer, which was scary at first.” 

This program involved 120 hours of instruction to obtain a nationally recognized CDA credential that is required to work in the childcare industry. While these students faced a pandemic, in addition to personal stressors, these CDA classes gradually became a safe space for everyone. “It became kind of a sisterhood,” said Program Manager Kim Cromer. 

Bravo to these students! We look forward to hosting additional conversations to hear directly from our community. Gracias for allowing us to share these stories, ResolvePhilly! 

 

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About Us

Congreso de Latinos Unidos, Inc. is a nonprofit organization founded in 1977 with a mission to enable individuals and families in predominantly Latino neighborhoods to achieve economic self-sufficiency and well-being. To learn more about our programs, check out our impact, or read about our leadership and advisory councils, click below!

Congreso relies on the support of generous individuals, foundations and corporate partners who support our mission. Your contribution helps us continue to provide innovative programming while growing our influence as an outcomes measurement thought leader.

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216 W. Somerset St. | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19133
215-763-8870 | info@congreso.net

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