Idaho Immigrant Resource Alliance continues Heat and Smoke relief fund through 2023

By: Moesha Aplicano Burnham - July 21, 2023 4:15 am

Migrant farmworkers weed a field of peppers in Fruitland, Idaho

Migrant farmworkers weed a field of peppers on a farm in 2012 in Fruitland, Idaho. (Kirsten Strough/USDA)

In 2021, the Idaho Immigrant Resource Alliance created a Heat and Smoke relief fund to support Idaho’s agricultural workers working through extreme heat and smoke conditions.

According to a press release from the alliance, the organization was able to earn $35,000 and collect 100 items over the last two years. Resources were distributed throughout northern and southern Idaho.

The alliance is continuing the fund for 2023. Alliance officials said the goal this year is to raise $20,000 and collect items such as water, coolers, sunscreen, hats and sports drinks.

The Idaho Immigrant Resource Alliance was formed in early 2020 as a way to provide resources and rapid response needs.

The alliance consists of 11 nonprofits whose goal is to help the immigrant and farm working communities of Idaho.

The alliance has offered food boxes, personal protective equipment, hand sanitizer, monetary assistance, webinars and factual information on COVID-19 and other issues that affect these communities.

For information on the Idaho Immigrant Resource Alliance, visit the Idaho Organization of Resource Council’s website.

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Moesha Aplicano Burnham

Moesha Aplicano Burnham was interning through Voces Internship of Idaho, and previously interned with Boise Weekly. In high school, Moesha was the Editor-in-Chief of the school's Newspaper, and has loved writing since she could pick up a pencil. She was born and raised in Boise, Idaho, and deeply enjoys learning and writing about local news. In her free time, Moesha enjoys hiking, listening to podcasts, and spending time with her cat.