More than 1.2 million of North Carolina's nearly 10 million residents speak a language other than English at home, the vast majority of whom speak Spanish as their primary language. Of those who do speak Spanish at home, more than 40% speak English less than “very well” (state language data, 2023). In other words, 3.4% of North Carolina's total population speaks Spanish as their primary language and does not speak English well. That means there are currently almost 340,000 people facing serious challenges when trying to access services and resources in their daily lives, and the situation is getting worse as the population grows. Unfortunately, the policies and legal frameworks in place to support this community are few and far between.

Since 2002, UNISAL has been aware of this reality that our community faces.

This is how throughout history it has provided English courses for adults. Likewise, it has managed alliances with institutions and academies that support our Latino community to overcome English language barriers in North Carolina.

For UNISAL, the humanitarian aid program allows us to improve the quality of life of many people. As well as providing attention to humanitarian crises in vulnerable populations. We stand in solidarity in humanitarian emergencies of our Latin American community.

Many thanks to hundreds of volunteers who have contributed for more than 20 years to help our beloved community.

If you have a vocation to willingly help others, please fill out our Volunteering Form and we will contact you to schedule your volunteer sessions with us.

Through in-kind donations of supplies such as: clothing, shoes, food, hygiene and personal care products, toys, among others, we are improving the health, safety and protection of many Latino families.

Throughout its history, UNISAL has provided donations to a network of more than 30 beneficiaries, including churches, care centers for the elderly and children, schools, institutions dedicated to providing relief and rescue, community organizations, vulnerable communities in the United States, El Salvador, Mexico and Haiti. All this has been possible thanks to the support of alliances and strategic partners.

Thank you to our donors!

Federal policies aimed at addressing immigration also perpetuate challenges and inequalities for the immigrant population. Congress created Temporary Protected Status (TPS) in the Immigration Act of 1990 as a type of immigration status for people already in the country. El Salvador was the first country designated for TPS in 1990 due to a civil war. TPS recipients can legally remain in the US for a certain period of time, apply for a work permit, and may be granted travel authorization. However, TPS is a temporary benefit and does not lead to lawful permanent resident status. TPS recipients face the risk of deportation and family separation and, in some cases, could be forced to return to unsafe conditions in their home country.

As of 2022, about 21% of Hispanics in the United States do not have health insurance, and this percentage is likely higher as many Hispanics rarely seek medical care (Statista). Hispanics residing in the United States are less likely than white Americans to have health insurance and receive preventive health care (Pew Research Center).