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Latinx Community in Portland Peninsula

Sept. 10, 2021
Population: 20761
housing healthcare immigration low income childcare
Cultural or Historical Interests
Latinx immigrants from Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala. Have fled their countries because of poverty, violence and corruption caused by destabilization of local governments from US military intervention. People are evangelical, pencostal, catholic. Most everyone has indigenous ancestry. They speak Spanish. They are all young, working, child-bearing age families with school aged children.
Community Activities and Services
Most people live in Parkside with large pockets East Bayside, Libbytown, St John Valley and then throughout the city. The Bodega is a primary source of food in the community as it is accessible by foot for many. Save a Lot on is the most frequented supermarket because of location and cost. People use the laundromats in Westgate Plaza and 290 Congress St Plaza. People use Greater Portland Health, Community Dental and MMC for medical services. People worship at Sacred Heart, Iglesia El Sinai, Christchurch Evangelical Convenant. They go to all PPS schools, but most at Reiche, East End and Rowe. They go to all middle schools but most at King. They go to all high schools. Adult learners go to PAE
Economic or Environmental Interests
Most people work in seafood processing as well as in construction and cleaning. People make 40 cents a pound for lobster meat that is sold for 60 or 70 dollars a pound. Some plants do not give adequate PPE especially when cleaning, and many people have exposure to respiratory irritants.
Community Needs and Concerns
We are a community of over 2500 in the Portland area. We need access to healthcare -- including coverage, equitable treatment, language access; childcare -- safe, affordable, reliable; housing -- safe, affordable, adequate, up-to-date; transportation -- reliable, affordable transit, licenses; and fair wages and labor practices -- recognition for our huge contributions to the economy, living wages, worker protections, freedom for exploitation. We are the drivers of some of the most important industries in Maine like lobster, agricultural and tourism. We need representation and acknowledgement that we are the largest minority in Maine with the largest concentration residing in Portland, ME.
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