More street vendors in the Inland Empire are staying home, unable to sell their food to earn a living, fearing they may get caught up in an immigration enforcement operation. For many, that is limiting their income, but one group in the Inland Empire is looking to change that.
Stand by the Stand, a grassroots movement started by three people, said they were touched by their neighborhood street vendors and the hardship they were facing because of the recent immigration enforcement operations.
“I was thinking the best way to help our community,” said Sarah Steelo, cofounder of the group.
Steelo says her local street vendor posted that they wouldn’t be selling for a while due to fear, a familiar sight in the Inland Empire, with low attendance being reported by vendors at food markets and swap meets.
“I’ve heard about how some vendors are disabled and unable to work. This is the only job they can do,” said Steelo.
The group has started fundraising to help street vendors in need with some cash. Since starting, they’ve helped seven street vendors with $500, according to Steelo.
At a farmer’s market in Rialto, vendors tell NBC4 that attendance and sales have plummeted because families are too afraid to leave their homes.
“We need to provide for our family and that’s what keeps us going,” said Yeni Ruiz, a street vendor in Rialto.
Stand by the Stand has created a GoFundMe to receive donations for the street vendors. The group is hoping to help by offering some relief, one vendor at a time.
“As long as we are needed. As long as people need us and people inquire,” said Steelo.
Source: NBC Los Angeles
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