Local clergy members have stepped up to support affected families in response to recent immigration enforcement actions by the federal government.

At the Better Life Ministry in Jersey City, pastors and ministers from various denominations gathered to address the concerns of those worried about Immigration and Customs Enforcement and deportation today.

The initiative includes the launch of a 24/7 hotline designed to provide legal counsel, social services and pastoral care to families where the primary breadwinner might face deportation, despite some family members being U.S. citizens.

The effort comes after the clergy received thousands of calls from concerned community members across New Jersey.

"The family comes to us, a lot of children. The father will be in custody, and he doesn’t have any more food to provide to the house, no more money to pay the rent or the room that they rent. That’s when our New Jersey Latino Pastors and Ministers come and provide these resources," says the Rev. Bolivar Flores, of Latino Pastors and Ministers.

Flores also noted that while many in the Latino community supported President Donald Trump, there is now a pressing need to highlight the impact of these immigration policies on families.

The hotline number for those seeking assistance is 551-255-5500.