ACCESS TO SERVICES

Hate Free Zone imagines a community where immigrants are welcomed, connected and empowered to contribute their full selves and build strong lives for themselves and their families.

In this vision, immigrant newcomers, assisted by a network of diverse, vibrant and responsive community agencies, are able to locate affordable housing and access health care services. Those with professional backgrounds are able to transfer their credentials, while those with limited educational backgrounds can access educational and vocational opportunities, apply for citizenship and secure living wage jobs. Immigrant parents are able to communicate effectively with their children’s schools and teachers, securing the best education for their children. Every immigrant is able to participate fully in civic life, from voting to volunteering to shaping the policies that impact their lives everyday.

Unfortunately, the current reality for many immigrant families falls far short of this vision. While Washington State continues to be a top destination for immigrants with the 10th largest foreign born population and fourth largest population of resettled refugees in the country, there has been little change in how services are provided to meet the needs of all of the state’s residents. Statistics show that too many immigrants are disconnected from essential services, struggling in school, unable to find adequate housing or secure living-wage jobs. These issues are all too often compounded by discrimination- in schools, homes, workplaces and the community.

Many of barriers are in fact written into legislation, such as the REAL ID Act, which requires driver’s license applicants to prove they are in the United States legally or rent laws, and require immigrants to prove status before being eligible to lease an apartment or home. Similar punitive legislation can be found in the areas of education, employment, healthcare, and public benefits. These types of unfair burdens, compounded with issues of race, class, poverty, language, and culture create hurdles which are often difficult to overcome.

To build a healthy community, we believe it is critical to address these needs with a targeted and culturally competent strategy. Thus, Hate Free Zone partners with immigrant communities to address barriers, insure access and advocate for change.

Hate Free Zone works with immigrants to navigate systems, which are complex, selective, and place unfair burdens on immigrant communities.  We also work with individuals to address discrimination, supporting them to access the legal system, criminal justice system, civil/human rights commissions (such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Human Rights Commission) and elected representatives in order to effectively deal with issues of discrimination.

Through our Community Programs and Organizing initiative, Hate Free Zone applies a case management model to appropriately coach individuals to address barriers, combat discrimination and meet their unique needs.

Hate Free Zone also help individuals and families to become strong advocates for policies that reflect and respond to their needs. Thus, Hate Free Zone:

• Educates individuals, families and communities about their rights, and advocates with them or refers them to the appropriate resources;

• Empowers individuals to work together for changes in the systems and policies that impact their lives;

• Provides individuals with access to multiple advocacy tools- such as utilizing the media to gain attention around their situation, writing a letter to their elected official or speaking at a legislative meeting;

• Provides capacity building that strengthens community-based organizations so that they can continue to serve their communities;

• Connects individuals and families to leadership and advocacy opportunities through our family meetings, Community Leadership Council and civic engagement program.

To learn more, or to speak with a Community Advocate, please call 206-723-2203 ext. 216.

If you are being affected by issues of detention and deportation, please call Hate Free Zone's toll-free hotline: 1-866-439-6631.