Dear friends,
Looking back these past seven months of shelter in place when we had to close our two offices, all of us at Monument Impact are amazed that we have been able to serve more than 10,000 community members through our technology, mental health and physical activity classes, day labor and community engagement programs, and 2020 census and voter outreach. This is double the number of people we serve on average every year in part due to the reach of our online services and the Monument Relief Fund.
We are winding down the Relief Fund as we come close to the end of our funding. To date, we have provided more than $1.3 million dollars to 2,198 families, benefiting 7,880 children and other household members. We are so grateful to our donors for helping Monument Impact establish the infrastructure for the largest UndocuFund in Contra Costa County.
Times continue to be difficult for our immigrant community, which has been hit hard by COVID-19.As the holidays approach, we will continue to fundraise for the Relief Fund and be there for our neighbors as we hopefully move toward recovery.
Thank you for your support,
Debra Ballinger, Executive Director
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Last week, a community member dropped by our Keller House office with a donation, and he rushed out before we could get his name. The donation was from his son, Everett, who decided to save up his piggy bank money and give what he could to help undocumented families: $26.88. He wrote us a short letter, “This is for your work. Thank you for helping our neighbors.”
Thank you, Everett! Your gift reminds us of the generosity, sacrifice and resilience of our community - where neighbors stand up for neighbors.
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The official Contra Costa County COVID-19 data shows that 43 percent of cases are in the Latinx community. Unfortunately, this is a serious underestimation since the ethnicity of another 30 percent is unknown.
Supervisor John Gioia and county health officers acknowledge that at least half of the unknown ethnicity cases are Latinx, bringing the total to over 50 percent of all cases, despite the Latinx community being only 26 percent of the county’s population.
The racial disparities surrounding the availability of testing and positive cases of COVID-19 are evident. You can get the latest information in English and Spanish about local testing here. Please stay safe and healthy!
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$30K from National Day Laborer Organizing Network |
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We have just been notified that we are receiving $30,000 in relief funding for immigrant workers and day laborers from the National Day Laborer Organizing Network (NDLON)!
NDLON has been working to provide direct assistance to migrant workers who need support and lack protection, especially in the face of COVID-19.
We want to share our deepest gratitude to NDLON for their contribution, and we look forward to meeting the needs of our immigrant and day laborer community in Contra Costa.
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2020 Concord District 2 Candidates Forum |
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Monument Impact, Central County Regional Group (CCRG) and First 5 Contra Costa hosted the candidates for the District 2 Concord City Council seat in a candidates forum focused on housing and immigrant justice issues. Candidates Hope Johnson, Dr. Harmesh Kumar, Carlyn Obringer and Paul Wood participated in the forum. Tristan Piper was unable to attend due to a family matter.
We applaud all the candidates who attended for supporting just cause for evictions, and candidates Johnson, Obringer and Wood for supporting rent control.
Responding to a question about policies candidates would implement to prevent further displacement from high rents and unjust evictions in the city, each candidate offered a response:
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Hope Johnson: “I definitely think Concord needs its own legislation without a sunset date for tenants’ rights. We need some rent control, and we need just cause evictions… These are our essential workers, and yes, they need our help during a crisis. But the crisis is the same even during regular times.”
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Carlyn Obringer: “The state has implemented some policies that supersede the protections we put into place during the pandemic [Concord’s eviction moratorium and rent freeze]. We are going to be holding a Housing and Economic Development Committee meeting to hear from you.”
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Paul Wood: “To keep our community diverse, we need a spread of housing that’s available. I am for rent control, affordable housing, just cause eviction and tenants’ rights. We need to make sure our renter community is protected, treated fairly and has options.”
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Dr. Harmesh Kumar: “I was the renter in the Monument Corridor 28 years ago. I know how it feels to ask for help when you need the help...I am not a socialist. I want people to be able to increase the rent when it is justified. We need just cause evictions. We need to give help to people when they are falling down.”
Our votes decide the future of Concord.
If you missed the event, you can watch the video to learn more about the candidates’ positions on key issues!
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Check Out Our Voter Guide |
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Election Day is right around the corner, and it’s important to be informed on local ballot measures in Contra Costa County and the impacts they will have on our community.
Check out our voter guide resources in English and Spanish, and make sure you’re ready to vote! You can track your ballot through the California Secretary of State website.
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The City of Concord is partnering with First 5 Contra Costa, Monument Impact and Central County Regional Group to pursue a state grant for improvements to Ellis Lake Park, and we need your input! Designing the improvements with significant community feedback will encourage higher usage, better protection and a safer environment.
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Join us for this virtual event! Monument Impact is hosting a meeting on Thursday, Nov. 12 at 6:00 p.m.
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East Bay Philanthropy Awards |
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East Bay Philanthropy Awards’ virtual event celebrates inspiring community leaders, philanthropists, employers, volunteers and youth who are working to sustain generosity in uncertain times, to step up in new ways to generate equity and change, and help everyone in the East Bay reach their full potential and live with dignity.
Register for the event on Thursday, Nov. 12 from 9:00 - 10:15 a.m. here.
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Learn more about our latest programs and what we have to offer: |
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Zumba at the Park
Zumba at the Park has begun following social distance guidelines (limited space available, must wear a face covering to participate).
- Mondays, 8:30 a.m. at Meadow Homes Park
- Wednesdays, 8:00 a.m. at Cambridge Park
- Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. at Ellis Lake Park
Not ready to join us in person just yet? Join our Facebook group, and join us online from the comfort of your home. Zumba classes are also available via Zoom!
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Hire a Day Laborer
Our day labor program is open Monday to Saturday from 6:00 to 10:00 a.m.,
Need help preparing your house for this holiday season — hanging up Christmas lights, raking leaves, cleaning gutters or moving furniture? We can help!
Call now (925) 682-8248 ext. 2100 to hire a worker. Spaces fill quickly.
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Free Legal Clinics for Renters
Get legal advice, recover your security deposit and ensure repairs are made. For more information or to set up an appointment, contact (925) 529-4843.
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