Lin-Manuel Miranda, The Miranda Family & Hispanic Federation Award Economic Grant to Immigrant Advocacy Community Organizations in Puerto Rico
Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico – Today, Lin-Manuel Miranda, the Miranda Family and Hispanic Federation (HF) committed $150,000 in emergency funds as initial support for various community-based organizations that provide critical services and advocacy for immigrants and other vulnerable populations in Puerto Rico. These funds are made possible thanks to the long-standing collaboration between the Miranda family and Hispanic Federation in supporting Puerto Rico and protecting immigrant rights. The announcement was shared during an event at Casa de la Cultura Ruth Hernández Torres, in Río Piedras.
The organizations receiving grants include Centro de la Mujer Dominicana, Fundación Fondo Acceso a la Justicia, Junta Comunitaria del Casco Urbano de Río Piedras, Kilómetro 0, G8: Grupo de las 8 comunidades aledañas al Caño Martín Peña and Casa Protegida Julia de Burgos.
The funds were raised through various sources from Hispanic Federation, including “Immigrants: We Get the Job Done,” a recent campaign held to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the acclaimed and outstanding musical HAMILTON on Broadway, which benefitted the coalition with the same name in the United States.
The funds were raised through the “Immigrants: We Get the Job Done” campaign and various funding sources from Hispanic Federation. “Immigrants: We Get the Job Done” was a fundraiser held to benefit the coalition in the United States with the same name and generated funds through a commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the acclaimed and outstanding musical HAMILTON on Broadway.
Luis Miranda, Jr., Lin-Manuel’s father, said, “I am proud to be here with Hispanic Federation and the allied organizations that are on the front lines defending immigrant communities that are being aggressively attacked in Puerto Rico. The wave of anti-immigrant rhetoric and policies has reached the archipelago in an extremely dangerous and divisive way that will cause irreparable harm to all of us. As Puerto Ricans, we will not look away from the cruelty and racism being promoted through the implementation of immigration laws; we must raise our voices for humane treatment of all Latino communities.”
Frankie Miranda, President and CEO of Hispanic Federation said, “Today, more than ever, our immigrant community needs our solidarity in the face of political attacks and persecution from the federal government. Over two decades ago, I moved from a small town in Puerto Rico to New York City and joined the millions in our diaspora. So I can empathize with what it’s like to arrive in an unfamiliar place, with a new culture and a new language, wanting to succeed and hoping that people will welcome and help you. That generous spirit of welcoming and solidarity is something I’m proud to say has always been a part of our Puerto Rican culture and identity and we must not forget it now. Our unity must be stronger than ever in proclaiming immigrants are welcome here.”
The funding will enable these organizations to strengthen their advocacy efforts and provide services to the immigrant community in Puerto Rico who face abuse, fear, and lack of access to services because of federal immigration policies.
“Services for immigrants are vital for communities in the United States and the archipelago of Puerto Rico. I thank everyone who participated in this campaign, joining forces to support a just and humane cause. We always wanted to commemorate the 10th anniversary of HAMILTON with a valuable contribution that transcended the program. And supporting the ‘Immigrants: We Get the Job Done’ Coalition, given the current anti-immigrant climate, was the right thing to do. Together we demonstrate that yes, it can be done,” said Lin-Manuel Miranda.
About Hispanic Federation
Hispanic Federation is a non-profit organization with a track record of over 35 years supporting and defending the interests of Hispanic communities in the United States. In Puerto Rico, Hispanic Federation began operations in 2017. Since then, over $55 million dollars have been invested in projects, programs, and community outreach initiatives on diverse topics such as: renewable energy, agriculture, food security, housing, community development, local economic development, health, public policy and advocacy, among others. During our long history and particularly in Puerto Rico, the organization has been proactive in identifying, showing solidarity with, and supporting marginalized communities in emergencies and recovery processes.
Hispanic Federation has awarded more than 350 grants to over 150 non-profit organizations, has supported the installation of over 250 solar energy systems, has reinforced more than 2,500 microentrepreneurs, farmers and fishermen and has granted over $2.5 million in direct economic assistance to individuals.
Hispanic Federation has offices in California, Connecticut, Florida, North Carolina, Puerto Rico, Washington, DC, Illinois, and its main headquarters is in New York City.
