Improving the lives of Latinos in Georgia

Hispanic Alliance Georgia provides wrap around services specific to Latino families in need in Hall County and surrounding areas.  While the contributions of our community to our local economy and State economy are evident in the World Poultry capital of the world, our families face many challenges including extreme poverty, prejudice, limited English proficiency, transportation, housing and other barriers. HAGA is proud to serve over 50,000 individuals through our service center located in Gainesville, Georgia. We achieve our mission through five areas: Culture & Engagement, economic empowerment, education, family well being and immigration. Each area includes targeted menu of direct services, large scale events, and advocacy to realize significant community impact and affect systems change. Our sustainable goals are poverty alleviation, zero hunger, good health and well being, quality education, decent work and economic growth, reduced inequalities, and partnerships for goals. 

We prioritize our most vulnerable families and children, living in poverty, with no other relief, with little or no support network, English language deficient,  transportation barriers affected with unemployment, quarantine and illness.

In Hall County we have families living in poverty tracks of more than 50-75%.  

Hispanic babies born in these rural enclaves are more likely to be impoverished than those in the city. And it’s harder for them to receive help from federal and state programs, such as the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Consistent health care also is hard to come by, particularly if their parents are undocumented and are fearful of being discovered and deported—even though the children are U.S. citizens.

As a result, many researchers say, many of these children may never realize their full potential and escape poverty.

“These babies are starting behind the starting line,” said Daniel Lichter, a Cornell University researcher and coauthor of a recent study on their situation. “And their opportunities as they move into adulthood are jeopardized. These are American citizens at risk of failing to thrive.” (https://www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-analysis/blogs/stateline/2015/08/14/hispanic-poverty-in-rural-areas-challenges-states)

Monthly we help 1200 families connect to a box of culturally appropriate nutritious food. This helps our hard working families have some relief to pay  for medicines, rent or utilities. We help our babies connect to diapers and formula and basic needs. We help our families connect to support networks and partner agencies, jobs, housing, as well as public benefits to improve their lives, on their road to self reliance and out of poverty.