2025 Grantee Spotlight: UndocuFund
A Dispatcher Training at Corazón Healdsburg, led by an UndocuFund Coordinator and local community leader, strengthening rapid response efforts close to home.
When unexpected crises hit, undocumented immigrant families are often left without access to traditional relief programs. UndocuFund steps in during these moments, offering direct financial assistance and trusted, community-based support. With the help of a 2025 Healdsburg Forever grant, UndocuFund was able to provide immediate relief to local families facing housing, food, and medical challenges. We spoke with Beatrice Camacho, Director of UndocuFund, about the impact of this work and the growing need for flexible, responsive support.
Q: How was your Healdsburg Forever grant used this year, and who did it support?
This grant was used to provide direct financial assistance to immigrant families impacted by winter storms and COVID-19. With $15,000, we were able to support 10 families with grants ranging from $1,000 to $2,000. These families included 23 adults and 18 children, many of whom work as farmworkers or landscapers and were unable to work due to extended periods of heavy rain or ongoing health impacts. The assistance helped families remain safely housed, keep utilities on, purchase food, and cover critical medical expenses.
Q: What kind of impact did this direct assistance have on the community?
Undocumented immigrants are often excluded from disaster relief and other safety nets, which makes direct assistance especially critical. This support helped stabilize families during a period of deep uncertainty and need. Alongside financial assistance, we strengthened outreach and communication through UndocuFund and the North Bay Rapid Response Network, ensuring families had access to clear, culturally responsive information. By countering misinformation and sharing accurate resources, we helped community members feel more informed, a little less fearful, and better equipped to make decisions for their families.
Q: What were some of the biggest challenges you faced this year, and how did you adapt?
The current political climate, marked by increased anti-immigrant policies and mass deportations, has created heightened fear and instability for undocumented communities. Early in 2025, many people were afraid to attend events or be in public spaces. We had to be very intentional about safety and trust. We shifted to smaller gatherings, changed locations, increased one-on-one outreach, and included Legal Observers through our Rapid Response Network. Every decision centered on the safety and well-being of our recipients, which allowed us to continue showing up for our most impacted community members.
Q: How has your organization evolved to meet growing and changing needs?
This year, the UndocuFund Director and Coordinator shifted 50% of their time to UndocuFund and 50% to the North Bay Rapid Response Network, reflecting the urgent need for coordinated response efforts. Along with five additional North Bay Organizing Project staff, we supported rebuilding the Rapid Response Network across Sonoma, Napa, and Solano Counties. We held nine dispatcher trainings, 42 Legal Observer trainings, and two court accompaniment trainings, including Healdsburg-specific trainings, to ensure communities had local, prepared support.
Q: Looking ahead, what support is most critical for your work to continue?
While our fundraising has steadily progressed, unrestricted general operating funds remain essential. These flexible dollars (like our HF grant) allow us to respond quickly and pivot when urgent needs arise, such as expanding Rapid Response efforts. As policies and enforcement continue to create fear and instability for undocumented families, having the ability to act quickly and safely is critical. General operating support ensures we can remain responsive, effective, and trusted by the communities we serve.
To learn more about UndocuFund and the vital support they provide to undocumented families, visit their website at undocufund.org.
