Dear friends,
As the year seems to fly by, our teams across Monument Impact have stepped up to this moment as we all move toward reopening and recovery. With more than 90,000 Latinx residents in need of the COVID-19 vaccine in Contra Costa County, Monument Impact has deployed three teams of promotoras (community health promoters). In just over a month, they have already provided vaccine information to more than 8,000 Latinx community members in Concord, Bay Point, Pittsburg, Antioch, Brentwood and Oakley.
In addition, Monument Impact is a local Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) partner, providing technical assistance for residents applying for this state program, which will pay up to 80% of what tenants owe in back rent. Unfortunately, there has been a significant drop off in applications statewide and here in Contra Costa. If you know someone who is behind on their rent and needs assistance, please have them contact us at housing@monumentimpact.org with the subject line: ERAP.
While the state considers extending the eviction moratorium, Monument Impact is seeing increased stress about rent and utilities debt among our community members, made worse by increasing landlord harassment. Please see our call to action below.
The pandemic recovery process will continue to be especially challenging for our immigrant and refugee neighbors. Whether it’s gaining new workplace and technology skills, navigating rent relief programs, or staying healthy, mentally and physically, Monument Impact will continue to offer resources, programs and support to our neighbors in need. As we move forward, let us not forget the power of community, shared experience and generosity that played a tremendous role in our resilience.
In community,
Debra Ballinger
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Eviction Moratorium Call to Action |
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To truly recover from the pandemic, in addition to vaccination, we must prioritize rent relief ahead of the state’s eviction moratorium expiration on June 30.
Please help us spread the word about the new Housing NOW! California report about the challenges tenants are facing with the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP). Collectively, we need to ramp up the pressure to extend Senate Bill 91's eviction protections and close its loopholes.
Take action:
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Local Elected Officials Letter: Get your local elected officials to this template, drafted by PICO CA, and submit their own letter to extend and improve SB 91.
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Send an Email Blast: email template to draft your email blast, create your own unique URL and note what day you're emailing your list on this campaign calendar.
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Call Legislators' Offices: Make calls and use these social media graphics to promote calling legislators (script included, in English and Spanish).
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California Emergency Rental Assistance Program |
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California’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) provides tenants who owe rent an opportunity to secure up to 80% of what they owe, if their landlord will opt-in and forgive the remaining 20%. If the landlord does not opt in, the tenant can apply for 25% of what they owe. Assistance is paid directly to the landlord.
The state of California recently launched a website (in English and Spanish) to assist renters and landlords facing challenges related to COVID-19. Check out this tenant checklist to see if you are eligible for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (English / Spanish).
If you need assistance, or know someone who does, please reach out to housing@monumentimpact.org with “ERAP” in the subject line.
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Celebrating Our 20th Anniversary |
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Our annual gala, falling on our 20th anniversary, is coming up on Thursday, September 23, 2021! This year, we will celebrate 20 years of service to our local immigrant and refugee community.
This is one of our largest fundraising events and will be held virtually this year. We are pleased to announce our entertainment lineup, featuring a musical performance by AJAYU, with Latino-fusion rooted in Indigenous and Andes sounds; a spoken word performance by Jose Cordon; and more.
Sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information, please reach out to Cindy at cindy@monumentimpact.org or (925) 682-8248 ext. 2230.
In Their Own Words…
As we celebrate our 20th anniversary, we’re incredibly grateful for our staff, partners, board members, and funders who help us serve and strengthen our community. Here’s how they describe this 20-year milestone, in their own words:
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Class and Program Updates |
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We now have two free clinics in Contra Costa County on Tuesdays from 6 - 8 p.m. via Zoom. Come learn and assert your rights:
- Prevent eviction.
- Get your security deposit back.
- Get repairs made.
- Prevent landlord retaliation.
Spaces are limited. To set up an appointment, register now. Provide your name, phone number and issue to the contacts below.
Antioch - East County | 1st Tuesday of every month
Concord - Central County | 3rd Tuesday of every month
Also, check out Monument Impact’s tenant protections guide in English and Spanish.
COVID-19 Vaccine Promotores
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This past month, our Healthy Community promotores have connected with more than 8,000 members of our community, sharing helpful information about the COVID-19 vaccine and how/where to sign up. We’re incredibly thankful for their work to help others navigate the sign-up process and ensure that accurate, trustworthy information about the vaccine is being shared with our community members.
To learn more about this campaign, join our Healthy Community Facebook group here.
Employment Readiness Virtual Workshops (English)
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Join our virtual, nine week workshop series to learn how to find, secure and manage employment. Together, we’ll cover: |
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- U.S. work culture
- Networking
- Resume development
- Job searching
- Elevator speeches
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- Job interviews
- Work standards and behavior
- Problem-solving
- Job promotion
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Workshops take place in English on Zoom on Fridays. Dates for the next workshop series will be announced soon.
Check out our flyer in English, and fill out the interest form. To register or to get more details, contact Samira at (925) 682-8248 ext. 2240
Monument Moves
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In-person park schedule:
- Mondays - 8:30 a.m. at Meadow Homes Park
- Wednesdays - 8 a.m. at Cambridge Park
- Saturdays - 8:30 a.m. at Ellis Lake Park
All participants are required to follow these guidelines to participate:
- Do not come to class if you feel sick with cold or flu symptoms like fever, cough, etc.
- All participants are required to wear a face mask throughout the entire session.
- Maintain social distancing (6 feet).
- Note that we have a 15-person limit per class.
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Mentes Positivas en Acción |
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Dr. Rosa Maria Sternberg, PhD, RN, created Mentes Positivas en Acción as a Spanish language community-based program to help those experiencing stress and depressive symptoms.
Sternberg partnered with Monument Impact to roll out this program and recently conducted a study on its effectiveness - and it has shown promising results in reducing stress and depressive symptoms. Learn more here.
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Monument Impact is hiring for a variety of positions. Learn more about our job opportunities here.
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