Spotlight on UndocuFund: Q&A with Director Beatrice Camacho
UndocuFund recipients participate in the Sonoma County COAD Heat Illness Prevention seminar.
UndocuFund provides critical services, including direct financial assistance, to undocumented individuals and families living in Healdsburg, Geyserville, and beyond. Often excluded from traditional aid programs, these communities rely on UndocuFund for essential, community-driven support during times of need. As one of Healdsburg Forever’s 2024 grantees, UndocuFund plays a vital role in ensuring that undocumented families have access to the resources they need to recover and thrive. We spoke with Beatrice Camacho, UndocuFund’s Director and Tenant Organizer with the North Bay Organizing Project, to learn more about the organization's recent successes, challenges, and vision for the future.
Can you share some of the key successes UndocuFund has achieved this year in supporting undocumented individuals and families in Healdsburg and Geyserville?
Absolutely. This year, one of our biggest wins has been securing Just Cause eviction protections for renters across Sonoma County. These protections ensure that during crises like wildfires or floods, families can stay in their homes and focus on recovery. It’s a crucial step for communities like Healdsburg and Geyserville, where disasters are unfortunately frequent.
What have been some of the biggest challenges UndocuFund has faced recently, and how have you worked to overcome them?
The need in our community is immense, especially during heatwaves, which have left many without income. Our resources are often stretched, but our intake team—many of whom are past recipients—brings empathy and firsthand experience to our efforts. This has helped us provide meaningful support, even as we navigate these challenges.
How has the support from Healdsburg Forever helped UndocuFund continue its critical services this year?
Healdsburg Forever’s support has been invaluable. It’s allowed us to fund essential personnel, strengthening our ability to mobilize quickly during disasters. Thanks to this backing, we’ve been able to keep our intake and support services running smoothly, which has been a lifeline for so many affected by crises.
What types of assistance and services does UndocuFund provide to the community, and are there any new initiatives or programs you’ve introduced this year?
We provide mutual aid, financial assistance, and resources for families impacted by natural disasters. This year, we launched our “Encuentros” gatherings, which are quarterly events that offer not just education but also healing services like massage and acupuncture. These have been so well received and are now a core part of our community engagement.
Looking forward, what are some of the goals or upcoming projects you’re excited about for UndocuFund?
We’re excited to keep expanding our partnerships with groups like Farm to Pantry and Corazón. We’re focused on growing our support network, ensuring our services are always there for those in need. Our goal is to continue empowering our community to shape policies that directly affect their lives.
UndocuFund’s dedication to supporting undocumented families strengthens our Healdsburg and Geyserville communities, especially as they face ongoing challenges from natural disasters. As a 2024 grantee, Healdsburg Forever is proud to support UndocuFund in its mission to ensure that no one is left behind.
