Greetings!
However, even an extension of the state’s moratorium won’t be enough to protect tenants from housing instability. One issue we’re seeing is the rise of landlord harassment - when landlords behave egregiously with their tenants to pressure them to “self-evict,” which can involve refusing to complete repairs, follow health/safety standards, introduce new bills or shut off utilities, and in worst case scenarios - enter without notice or threaten to harm them. Read more about this issue in our op-ed with Centro Legal de la Raza placed in the San Francisco Chronicle.
In the meantime, join us as we call on our policymakers to extend the deadline for SB-91’s eviction moratorium and on the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to cancel utility debt and extend the shutoff moratorium. Contra Costa County has the highest utility debt in the Bay Area, according to the Bay Area Equity Atlas. Here are a few things we can do:
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Check out this Tenant Tuesday social media toolkit from our partners at Housing Now and spread the word.
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Sign this letter to the California Public Utilities Commission calling on them to extend the shutoffs moratorium, eliminate utility debt for residential customers, and prevent rent increase.
The latest news about current housing protections is changing rapidly. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for the most urgent, up-to-date developments, calls to action and details on how we can collectively ensure families stay housed.
In solidarity,
Debra Ballinger
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Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) |
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If you know someone who is behind on their rent and needs assistance, please contact housing@monumentimpact.org with the subject line: ERAP. For assistance with the ERAP application, call (925) 954-4488 or sign up for an appointment here.
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Sponsor the Monument Impact 20th Anniversary Gala! |
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We are pleased to offer sponsorship opportunities for our upcoming 20th Anniversary Virtual Gala on September 23, 2021, from 7 - 8 p.m. PT!
As a sponsor, you will not only have the opportunity to attend our in-person celebration, but will also be recognized at the event and featured in all of our promotional outlets right away, including but not limited to: our email newsletter and distribution list, event invitations, and digital program.
Last year’s online event drew in a crowd of nearly 3,000 viewers and reached over 10,000 users throughout our social media platforms in just one day!
Most importantly, sponsors help us achieve our mission and expand our impact so we can continue to cultivate leaders, provide job training and referrals, and serve our community.
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With our 20th anniversary around the corner, we asked members of our staff to reflect back on what first inspired them to join Monument Impact and the most rewarding aspects of their work.
We’re grateful to have you, Lorena! Read her full interview here.
Meet Lorena Cruz, Healthy Community Managing Consultant
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Alice Street Film Showing |
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Join Monument Impact in a showing of "Alice Street," a film about community resistance in a rapidly gentrifying city. The film showing will be followed by a community discussion featuring guest speaker Lailan Sandra Huen and filmmaker Spencer Wilkinson as part of our housing justice series.
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Meet Tony, Our Community Organizing Manager |
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Tony Bravo is our new Community Organizing Manager who has dedicated his work to racial and migrant justice. Tony uses his skills and own personal experiences to build collective power and leadership within our communities.
Prior to joining Monument Impact, Tony was the coordinator of the Contra Costa Immigrant Rights Alliance.
In his free time, you can catch Tony playing soccer or riding his bike.
Welcome, Tony! We are glad to have you as part of our team at Monument Impact.
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Class and Program Updates |
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Our technology program is proud to announce their first class of Caminos graduates! Caminos is an intensive 17-week virtual program consisting of advanced computer programs, English as a Second Language (ESL), and professional development courses - all the skills you need to be job-ready.
Learn more about our technology program and our upcoming virtual class offerings. Meet our 14 Caminos graduates here.
Congratulations!
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Contra Costa Mobile Vaccine Services |
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Since mid-April, Monument Impact’s promotoras—community promoters—have been out in the community in Concord, Bay Point, Pittsburg, Antioch, Brentwood and Oakley, talking with nearly 19,000 residents about the COVID-19 vaccine. They have assisted 1,400 residents in getting vaccinated and are now promoting the Contra Costa Health Service’s mobile units offering free vaccines anywhere in the county—they will come to you! It only takes 5 vaccine-eligible people to get mobile service at your doorstop. For more information, call 833-829-2626 or visit http://conronovirus.cchelth.org/get-vaccinated. |
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Monument Impact in the Media |
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Opinion: Landlords are getting around California's eviction moratorium with harassment
Debra Ballinger, executive director at Monument Impact and Monique Berlanga, directing attorney of the Tenants’ Rights Practice at Centro Legal de la Raza wrote an opinion piece for the San Francisco Chronicle about California’s housing crisis and the rise of landlord harassment, highlighting stories of residents who currently facing this issue. Read more here.
“Some landlords behave egregiously to pressure tenants to ‘self-evict.’ This tool of displacement might involve refusing to complete repairs, follow health and safety regulations or manage pest or insect issues. ...
This kind of behavior by a landlord would result in severe repercussions if conducted in almost any other context. Imagine behaving this way at work? And yet, because of weak housing laws, tenants must literally learn to live with harassment in their own homes.”
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Looking for a unique opportunity to make a positive difference in our community?
Monument Impact is hiring for a variety of positions. Learn more about our job opportunities here.
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