NEWLY FORMED HISPANIC GROUP IN EAST HARTFORD AIMS TO ADDRESS ISSUES FACING THE GROWING LATINO COMMUNITY


Apoyo Latino de East Hartford Advocacy Group. Photo, Boceto Media


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East Hartford, CT — A new group in East Hartford is working to strengthen and support the local Hispanic community, aiming to address the growing needs of this population.

Apoyo Latino, founded in November 2023, was created in response to the increasing Latino population and the urgent need to more effectively address its challenges.

Aida Ortiz, the leader of the initiative, explained that the recent rise in immigrants from Central and South America to Connecticut has intensified the demand for specific services and resources for this expanding community.

“The Latino community is growing rapidly, but there is still a lack of representation and support,” Ortiz said.

According to Ortiz, many immigrants feel uncomfortable interacting with local authorities due to language barriers, misinformation, and the lack of representation in municipal leadership.

“We want to offer a place where everyone can feel welcome and receive the help they need, regardless of their immigration status,” Ortiz added.

According to the East Hartford Plan of Conservation and Development, 9% of East Hartford residents speak a language other than English at home. This data highlights the importance of bilingual services and support for immigrant communities in the city. 

Among those who speak a language other than English, 28% speak Spanish, making it one of the most widely spoken languages in the area. 


Ortiz emphasizes that it is now essential to provide resources and assistance in Spanish to meet the needs of this growing group.

“It’s essential that we continue fighting for our rights and for a better future for our community. The summit was an excellent opportunity to connect with other groups and leaders, and to make our voices heard,” Ortiz said.





In 2022, East Hartford's Hispanic population reached 19,000, making it the third-largest ethnic group in the city. This growth has been notable in recent years, reflecting a steady increase in the Latino presence in the community. 


In addition to Puerto Ricans, a significant portion of East Hartford’s foreign-born population comes from countries such as Jamaica, Peru, Ghana, El Salvador, and the Dominican Republic, contributing to the region’s cultural diversity.

For this reason, Apoyo Latino has begun organizing monthly meetings at Goodwin College in East Hartford, with the aim of connecting community members, offering resources, and promoting an atmosphere of solidarity.

Ortiz said that the meetings are held on Wednesdays from 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., and include social activities as well as opportunities for members to learn about legal rights, government services, and other important resources.

Last Saturday, the group participated in the Puerto Rican Summit at the Hartford Capitol. Ortiz and other group members showed their support for the event, which also highlighted the presence of Puerto Ricans and other Latinos in the state.

Among the attendees were María Sánchez and her husband, Camilo Santiago, who say they have found a way to learn more about the political and social dynamics affecting Latinos in Connecticut through the group.

Sánchez said the group’s work is crucial to strengthening the community’s voice.

“We’ve organized ourselves to raise our voices and make sure our community is heard. All Latinos can contribute something,” she said.

Santiago, a musician specializing in traditional Puerto Rican rhythms, added that, in addition to informational meetings, the group plans to organize cultural events and recreational activities on key dates for the Latino community. These include traditional Christmas parrandas, where members enjoy the celebration while supporting various community causes.

“It’s a way to come together, enjoy our culture, and support the community,” he said.

The increase in the Latino population in Connecticut has created new needs in the region. Along with the growing number of Puerto Ricans, an increasing number of immigrants from Central and South America are contributing to the area's demographic shift, which in turn drives up demand for social services, education, and access to rights.

Ortiz said that in response to this reality, the creation of groups like Apoyo Latino is necessary to provide a space where Latinos can receive information, guidance, and resources in their own language. 


This initiative aims not only to meet the community’s immediate needs but also to promote their active inclusion in civic and social life, strengthening their ability to influence change in the city.

“Our goal is to make everyone feel part of something bigger, where they can receive support and guidance in their own language and in a safe environment,” Ortiz said.

For more information about Apoyo Latino, you can contact Aida Ortiz at 860-508-1728.





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NEWLY FORMED HISPANIC GROUP IN EAST HARTFORD AIMS TO ADDRESS ISSUES FACING THE GROWING LATINO COMMUNITY NEWLY FORMED HISPANIC GROUP IN EAST HARTFORD AIMS TO ADDRESS ISSUES FACING THE GROWING LATINO COMMUNITY Reviewed by Maricarmen Cajahuaringa on January 15, 2025 Rating: 5