WASHTENAW SOLIDARITY WITH FARMWORKERS
Connect The Camps
Working in partnership with the Southeast Michigan Migrant Resource Council (SEMMRC), WSF is working to raise enough money to install Internet infrastructure at three migrant camps and to pay the monthly costs of internet services at five migrant camps, the three camps mentioned previously plus two others the SEMMRC has already provided Internet for.
Farmworkers are an integral part of our food system, with skills and knowledge that uniquely suit them to fill a niche necessary for getting people’s food on the table. Yet they are often denied the respect that should come with their essential role, instead facing indifference and sometimes even mistreatment. These “guest workers” deserve better.
During these complicated times of COVID-19, we have all learned that internet access is fundamental to remaining connected with our support systems. Working hundreds of miles away from their families to provide food for our tables, we believe that farmworkers should have access to this fundamental service as well.
This will result in supplying approximately 300-350 migrant workers with the means to:
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Have contact with their family members!
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Take advantage of telehealth appointments for health, prescriptions
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Participate in online training
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Improve English language skills
Which year will this be for?
2021
Which company is providing the internet service?
Dearfield and Petersburg (D&P Communications, Lenawee and Monroe Counties)
What counties will be included?
Monroe and Lenawee
What happens if we fundraise excess money?
We will put money toward other farmworker support initiatives, potentially including covering 2022 internet costs.
