How Latino Families Are Getting Through COVID-19

Latino and other families of color are being hit the hardest by this pandemic because for many staying at home is not an option. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics compiled by the Economic Policy Institute, only 16.2% of Hispanic workers and 19.7% of black Americans are able to work from home, while about 30% of whites and 37% of Asian-Americans can. Staying at home and practicing physical distancing, therefore, is a privilege because, as writer Charles Blow says,  "The people who can’t must make terrible choices: Stay home and risk starvation or go to work and risk contagion." Despite the fact that Latinos are being disproportionately affected by this issue, there is much we can all learn about this community that can help us survive and thrive during this virus. In this episode, I speak with Deacon Felix Garcia, coordinator of Hispanic ministry in the Archdiocese of Portland, about COVID-19, lent, Latino Families, and what's bringing him hope in these challening times.