"Rent prices in the whole country continue rising. It has been estimated that they have increased by 11.4% since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic due to housing shortages and high demand.

In immigrant communities, the increase in rent prices has a more significant financial impact given that historically people of color have a lower income than their white counterparts. In addition, many of our members were disproportionately financially affected by the COVID-19 pandemic as they lost their jobs, savings, and some had to sell their assets to survive.

It will probably take years for our communities to recover from the economic impact caused by the pandemic, so rent increases do nothing but aggravate the financial situation," Nancy Lopez Sosa, CATA's Pennsylvania Organizer

We are very excited about the work we were able to accomplish this year during continued difficult circumstances – and we look forward to what great things we can achieve in 2022 alongside the immigrant community. Specifically, we will:

• Continue to advocate for access to drivers’ licenses in Pennsylvania

• Grow our youth leadership development program at the Bridgeton Community Garden

• Provide health and safety training to workers across our region, while fighting for greater health and safety protections

 • Work to influence our federal legislators to enact meaningful changes to immigration law – real protections and not just temporary measures!

We wouldn’t be able to do this important work without the help and financial support from YOU – our allies and friends. Your support, your volunteer time, and your calls and emails, are what give us ALL the ability to be successful in building a society that respects the rights of ALL people. If you are able, please consider supporting CATA’s end of the year request for donations. Any contribution – no matter the size – is greatly appreciated.

All of us wish you and your family peace and joy in the New Year. Thank you again for all your support!

Learn more about CATA's work during 2021 here.

Learn to grow food, feed your community, and become a food justice activist! If you are between 14 - 19 years old, you are invited to join our Youth Food Justice Crew at the Bridgeton, NJ, Community Garden! 

The Food Justice Internship Program begins at the beginning of March and lasts through the end of the summer, with a summer break, in order for students to experience the full growing season.   

• Spring Session - March 7 - June 7 - Tuesdays and Thursdays 3-7 pm. 
• Summer Session - July 5 - August 29 - Tuesdays and Thursdays 3-8 pm.
• There will also be optional workdays: 2 Sundays/month beginning in April until the end of the program. 

Interns will be paid $13/hour and will be expected to work 8-10 hours/week.
Apply now:  https://bit.ly/31V4uyZ. The deadline to submit this application is 5 pm on Friday, January 14. Share this information with a friend you believe would be interested! 

Learn more about our Food Justice program here. If you have any questions, please send an email to eperez@cata-farmworkers.org