“My Hands Are Tied”: Social Services With Latinx Immigrants in Houston During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Latinx immigrant communities experienced disproportionate economic and health consequences from COVID-19. Although social service organizations have been on the frontlines to meet the complex social service needs of this population, little is known about their experiences working with this vulnerable group in the first phase of the pandemic (during “shutdowns”). Using multiple case study methods, this case study integrates survey responses from Latinx-immigrant-serving social service providers ( N = 14) in Houston, media sources, and official Houston government data to describe the context and experiences of organizations who worked with Latinx immigrant families and individuals during the first phase of the pandemic. Results highlight challenges faced by social service organizations in meeting the heightened service needs of this vulnerable population. Findings underscore the importance of advocacy to strengthen social service systems constrained during a public health crisis exacerbating health disparities.