This month we are launching our new newsletter, VOCES. Perhaps because of the current political climate, time is moving far too quickly.
As we launch this newsletter, it’s hard to share our recent accomplishments without framing the context of this time. Our community feels so threatened by this administration’s deportation policies. The emotional impact of the shocking news about the state-sanctioned separation of children from their parents at the border ratchets up the already existing fear. For the past year, we have witnessed families so anxious, they consider giving up their American-born children for adoption. Some families are pulling their children out of school.
(Click here for our statement about recent events in Concord)
Adding to this unimaginable trauma, which has serious implications for child development, is the Bay Area housing crisis that is hitting Concord full force. Too many families in Concord, especially in the Monument, are experiencing multiple annual rent increases and substandard living conditions that go unreported because of fear of retaliatory eviction.
For Monument Impact, that has over its 17-year history worked hard to help residents break down barriers to economic advancement, we recognize that both fear and unsustainable housing costs are only serving to widen the income gap in our community. This comes at a time when the economy, at least on the surface, is looking good in Concord.
With this in mind, we continue to invest in our programs designed to help immigrants improve their lives while at the same time build our capacity to lift up their voices through advocacy and community organizing.
We hope you will help Monument Impact support our community and join us to learn more about our work at one of two upcoming open houses on July 26 and August 23. Better than a newsletter, this is an opportunity to hear about some of our success stories directly from our community members. If you are interested in receiving an invitation, reach out to
Cindy@monumentimpact.org.
