As widely reported, hate crimes against Asian Americans have risen dramatically in the United States since the beginning of the pandemic. Harmful rhetoric and criminal assaults, including attributing COVID-19 to people of Chinese or Asian descent, has led to a sharp increase in anti-Asian bias. The horrific attacks continue and hate speech is where violence begins.

We must never accept this. As Mercy Housing, we stand in support and solidarity with Asian, Asian American, Pacific Islander residents, staff, and communities across the world. I see these recent hate crimes as yet another call to action and a reminder that our work – guided by our core values – is essential to the health and healing of our country. We will continue to work together; celebrating our diversity, striving for an inclusive society, and fighting for racial equity. We can do better. We must do better.

In these challenging times, it is more important than ever to support one another and uphold our values of respect, justice, and mercy.

In solidarity and peace,

Ismael Guerrero
President & CEO