Where Ohio Haitians can find legal help, food and other support

Organizations in and outside Springfield are working to connect Haitian families with attorneys, immigration guidance and other services as uncertainty grows over pending cases and changes in legal protections. But advocates say demand is outpacing available resources, leaving many families looking not only for legal help but also for practical support such as food and transportation.

Kiara Brown, a Legal Aid immigration attorney, said the organization has heard growing concern from both new callers and people it assisted previously who want to know how recent immigration changes could affect their cases.

Those questions are not limited to people who relied on Temporary Protected Status. Paralegal Yola Lamarre said Haitians with pending asylum cases, spousal green card applications and other unresolved immigration matters are also seeking guidance.

“We’re focusing on Haitians who have TPS, but we also have to consider people who have pending asylum cases,” Lamarre said.

Brown said some people may have other legal options even if their previous immigration protection has changed. Legal Aid provides immigration assistance and referrals but is not currently accepting new cases for full representation in removal proceedings.

“For a lot of people, ultimately, the service they need most is help making a plan for their family in case there is immigration enforcement and the parents get caught up in it,” Brown said.

Echoing advice given during an Aug. 14 demonstration, Dumay said organizations can only connect families with resources and referrals to attorneys. They cannot guarantee full representation.

HaCoNet is also distributing groceries and bus passes to those no longer allowed to drive or who are afraid to leave their homes. Louis Dumay, a HaCoNet board member, said donated grocery bags contain roughly $200 worth of food and are available through the organization’s Reynoldsburg office.

“If we need more food, we have partners who will provide it,” Dumay said. “We want Haitians to know that we are here for them. Whatever way we can help, we will try to help.”

For families trying to determine where to turn next, several organizations in Ohio and beyond are offering legal information, referrals and other forms of support.

How to help yourself or loved ones affected 

To seek help navigating ICE actions or to support those providing services, consider contacting the following groups. All accept donations and volunteers to help Haitian families in need of various support.

• The Haitian Support Center at 937-408-6194 or contact@haitiansupportcenter.org. The center provides legal assistance and works with a network of legal partners to refer those in need. It is also raising money to maintain an emergency fund for Haitian families in acute need.
• Voices of Immigrants at 937-530-4004 or intake[at]voicesofimmigrant for guidance.
• Haitian Community Network (HaCoNet) at 614-600-5530 or info@haconet.org for resources, legal information and referrals. 
• Advocates for Basic Legal Equality (ABLE) at 419-930-2555 or 419-469-7161 (WhatsApp) for help. The group offers various resources, including a preparation guide in Haitian Creole and English to help families prepare for ICE encounters.
• For immediate suicide or mental-health crisis support, dial 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, free of charge. Simply call 988 and say: “Haitian Creole” or “Kreyòl Ayisyen.” Connecting to an interpreter typically takes about 20 seconds, and interpreters are trained to maintain confidentiality, accuracy and impartiality.
• Ohio Immigrant Alliance at hotline@ohioimmigrant.org.
• Haitian Bridge Alliance has an emergency hotline, 1-619-693-8708 to answer your questions. It is available ⁠Monday to Friday 10 a.m. 7 p.m. ET.

The post Where Ohio Haitians can find legal help, food and other support appeared first on The Haitian Times.