Center for High Impact Philanthropy on how donors can support families separated at the U.S. border

In just six weeks this spring, almost 2,000 immigrant children were separated from their families at the U.S. border and placed in detention centers.

Happy Immigrant Heritage Month.

As it’s done with causes such as women and girls around the world and disaster relief efforts and with its annual giving guide, the Center for High Impact Philanthropy has outlined ways for the average donor to help.

According to the philanthropy think tank housed at the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Social Policy and Practice, the greatest humanitarian needs at the moment are legal assistance, shelter and care, and information.

The most pressing, though, is legal assistance. The guide cites an interview with HIAS PA senior staff attorney Ayodele Gansallo who said that while it’s likely that many of the families are eligible for asylum, they are being charged with the criminal offense of illegal entry, resulting in a high demand for public defenders.

Some of the specific legal orgs that could use donations right now? Center for Human Rights and Constitutional Law, RAICES, The Hispanic National Bar Association and several more.