Chandran discusses AltaCair’s new colonia initiative

MCALLEN, Texas – The AltaCair Foundation has started a push to improve the quality of life of residents in Rio Grande Valley colonias.

A flyer produced by the group says of the Valley’s 1.3 million population, 14 percent live in colonias. The flyer says 96 percent of colonia residents are Hispanic and 40 percent live below the poverty line.

AltaCair’s mission is to “address the challenges faced by underserved Rio Grande Valley communities, including food insecurity, water access, transportation, and basic health needs.”

To kickstart its new campaign, AltaCair is hosting a serious of “cluster meetings.” These meetings are designed to bring key stakeholders together. The first two meetings, on education and healthcare, have already taken place. The other four will focus on the work of nonprofit organizations, government, religious entities, and business.

Here is an exclusive interview with the president of AltaCair, Dr. Rashmi Chandran:

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