Dear friends,
I’ve been reflecting on how grateful I am for the support and generosity of our partners, allies, staff, volunteers, community members, supporters and funders that have made it possible for us to have served over 90,000 people since we launched in 2001.
This year was not short of challenges, from helping tenants struggling with COVID-19 rent debt, to our promotores easing barriers to the COVID-19 vaccine, to responding to the rise in landlord harassment following the end of the eviction moratorium - we have and will continue to prioritize meeting our community’s most pressing needs.
Of these most pressing needs, we’re particularly focused on ensuring renters have basic protections. Many tenants who experienced job losses during the pandemic are still struggling to recover financially. In response to tenants who are unable to pay all their rent, but are protected from evictions by the State, landlords have been increasingly harassing tenants and pressuring them to self-evict in hopes of raising rents. Renters, already struggling to make it in Concord, can’t thrive in a climate of fear, anxiety, and eviction.
In response, we’re working with our allies and community to drive support for anti-harassment ordinances in Concord, Antioch, and ideally, additional areas of Contra Costa County to protect tenants and help families understand and act on their legal rights. By keeping landlords honest, we’ll ensure all Concord residents have a fighting chance to stay rooted in their homes - and take a big step towards Concord communities where fundamental respect and dignity lives strong.
We’re dedicated to laying the foundation for a just recovery and continuing to build a strong and equitable future for all. As we close out the year and plan our priorities for 2022, we ask that you please consider making a donation to invest in the future of our community.
Fueled by your support, we will emerge stronger, to continue successfully advocating for immigrants, refugees and low-income neighbors.
In community,
Debra Ballinger, Executive Director
|
|
|
Stay Protected from Eviction through March 2022 |
|
Protect yourself from eviction in March by applying to the California Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP). If you need assistance with an ERAP application, contact Monument Impact at (925) 954-4488 to schedule an in-person appointment. Read more about the program by clicking here.
Learn more about Yolanda’s experience with ERAP:
When Yolanda and her sister’s house cleaning work came to a halt during the pandemic, they reached out to Monument Impact for assistance. They connected with tenant organizers who guided them through the CA COVID-19 Rent Relief program application process and supported them in overcoming language barriers and conflicts with their landlord.
|
|
“After so many technology and language issues, I am infinitely grateful to Monument Impact for helping and guiding me through the application process. I now know about my rights as a tenant and that there is an organization near me that always makes time for their community.” - Yolanda |
|
|
Particularly following the end of the eviction moratorium, we want to make sure all renters in Contra Costa County know their rights. We are hosting “Know Your Rights” workshops for all as part of our legal clinics, before transitioning to one-on-one appointments with attorneys. Learn more by checking out our tenant information sheet here.
To book an appointment, contact:
|
|
 |
Karen Hernandez
Community Organizer
Concord & Central County
(925) 682-8248 x 2210
|
|
|
|
Jennifer Morales
Lead Community Organizer
Antioch & East County
(925) 315-5154
|
|
|
|
Tony Bravo
Community Engagement Manager
(925) 400-7977
|
|
|
|
Learn more about Mr. and Mrs. Torres’ experience with our legal clinics: |
|
Mr. and Mrs. Torres heard about Monument Impact’s tenant clinics when they were speaking with a friend about their housing situation, and their friend handed them a flyer that was left on her door. They decided to call and set up an appointment to speak with an attorney about their issue.
Mr. Torres and his family moved out of their apartment, and after leaving, the landlord refused to return their security deposit and added additional costs of over $6,000.
|
|
Two Monument Impact staff members, Karen Hernandez and Jenny Morales, posting tenant clinic flyers. |
|
|
|
|
Mr. Torres attended our clinic and spoke with our partner from Bay Area Legal Aid, who concluded that the landlord is at fault. With support from the legal team, Monument Impact’s organizing manager Tony Bravo is composing a letter highlighting the landlord’s illegal actions, and the couple is planning on taking the landlord to small claims court. |
|
|
“I am thankful that this program and help exists to help people like me who sometimes don’t know our rights or how to stand up to a landlord who has a lot of money and power.” - Mr. Torres |
|
The Power of our Promotores |
|
Latinx communities in Contra Costa County have been continually and disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and Monument Impact is stepping up in major ways to support vaccine education and sign ups.
Our teams of promotores, community health promoters, are currently working with ¡Andale! ¿Qué Esperas? and Together Toward Health, statewide efforts to ensure the Latinx community is vaccinated. So far, we have spoken to a total of 41,194 individuals throughout Contra Costa County, with 20,244 of them from August to November and 20,950 of them from April to June.
|
|
|
Diabetes Education and Empowerment Program |
|
|
|
On Friday, November 12, participants from the Pittsburg Unified School District successfully completed the Diabetes Education and Empowerment Program, making them the first English-speaking alumni of this program and the last cohort of 2021!
According to the CDC, people of certain racial and ethnic groups are more likely to develop prediabetes and type 2 diabetes, including African Americans, Hispanic/Latino Americans, and Asian Americans.
|
|
This program, available also in Spanish and in partnership with John Muir Health, teaches participants more about diabetes, how it affects their health, and techniques on how to make healthier lifestyle changes.
To join a course in 2022, text (925) 222-5671 with your name and which program (English or Spanish) you’re interested in.
|
|
Meet Our Newest Staff Members |
|
|
|
Regina Berny, Executive Assistant |
Regina provides everyday support at all facets of the organization and is integral in achieving Monument Impact’s mission to strive for racial equity, economic inclusion, and healthy communities. She looks forward to supporting and advocating for her community in this role. |
|
|
|
Kimberly Galindo, Coalition Manager for the Contra Costa Immigrant Rights Alliance |
Kimberly advances immigrant rights by advocating for policies, access to resources/services, and more. She is a seasoned community organizer who brings a variety of immigrant rights experience, from speaking with Vice President Harris to researching the mental health of undocumented students in the University of California system. |
|
|
|
Sandi Velazquez, Emergency Rental Assistance Program Case Coordinator |
Sandi guides tenants through eligibility requirements, application details, payment methods and their legal rights. She is a dedicated member of our team helping pave the way for a just recovery for tenants. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
