New York – The Center for In Situ Policy Research and Qualitas of Life Foundation carried out a survey of nearly 540 households via SMS and email between late April and June in collaboration with social service organizations throughout New York State. The full results of the study will be presented at a virtual press conference on Monday, July 20 at 2 p.m.
According to the statewide survey performed by both organizations, one-third of the Hispanic immigrants, report experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, yet half of them were unable to obtain medical care due, primarily, to lack of health insurance. In addition, more than 80 percent of Hispanic immigrant workers have been unemployed since the onset of the pandemic. As a result, nearly 40 percent of Hispanic immigrant households are unable to cover monthly expenses and more than 50 percent of families have been forced to rely on food banks and food pantries.
James Biles, director of In Situ, said that the “study reveals that the crisis has been exacerbated by limited savings, lack of access to social support programs such as unemployment and public assistance, and increasing reliance on credit card debt to make ends meet.” Myriam Rebling, executive director of Qualitas of Life, further emphasized that “the extreme vulnerability of New York City’s more than 2.4 million Hispanic immigrants, sets them apart from the rest of the state’s Hispanic population.”
Since March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in widespread health impacts, pervasive unemployment, greater debt, and increasing food insecurity among Hispanic immigrants throughout New York City and New York State.
If you want to read the full report, you can download it on the Resources page located on the Main Menu. It is only available in English.
