Greetings!

We are all feeling the effects of this crisis, and today we have an opportunity to come together in unity and shared experience to help each other.

We are launching the Monument Relief Fund that will release direct aid to our undocumented community members who have lost their jobs and are caring for their children and other family at home. Unfortunately, in this time of greatest need, they won’t see any aid coming from the federal stimulus programs. Now is the time to remember that immigrants do essential work that sustains us all.

Please consider making a generous donation today to the

People need help, now. The financial stress of this public health crisis impacts everyone, but those who are undocumented have few resources to make it through these times.

Any amount you can spare will help and 100% of your donation will be pooled to provide small grants for local families to buy food, pay important bills and keep a roof over their head.

Your support will make a big difference!
 
In deep gratitude,

Debra Ballinger
Executive Director
A Whole New World
Here at Monument Impact, we have temporarily shuttered our offices but as you will see in this brief newsletter, our work continues and is more urgent than ever. (The Monument Community Shuttle is an essential service, so spread the word that folks can still count on it!)

Working remotely, our team has implemented new technology tools from Zoom to Slack to keep the connection with each other and our program participants, and to help address the critical needs of hundreds of people we serve.
Here’s some of what we’ve been working on in the past two weeks:
Our active Board of Directors wholeheartedly supported staff moving forward to establish the Monument Relief Fund to provide direct aid to our most vulnerable community members, especially those who are undocumented. With a seed grant from the East Bay Community Foundation, we are up and running. Please consider a donation today!
Rents were due April 1, so Monument Impact and its allies have worked feverishly to get rent moratoriums and rent freezes passed in Concord and Antioch. An ordinance will be reviewed in Pittsburg next week and we continue to collectively work to get our Board of Supervisors to pass a temporary countywide moratorium and rent freeze to ensure that our most vulnerable will not lose their homes in the midst of this COVID-19 health crisis. If you’d like to help, please contact your Supervisor or local City Council and ask them to support our most vulnerable community members with an eviction moratorium. For more information, contact debra@monumentimpact.org or katie@monumentimpact.org.
Resource Guides and Information
Together, we have created a resource guide that organizes the available services and resources in Contra Costa county. All staff are in touch with program participants to keep them connected and to identify areas of greatest need. From food distribution programs to unemployment insurance, resources are changing and being updated daily. Contact katie@monumentimpact.org or giuliana@monumentimpact.org.

In addition, our staff have put together the “Help, I can't pay April rent!” Tenant Guide. ( Spanish) and is creating a video on how to let your landlord know you can’t make rent.
Census 2020
Census Day was April 1 st, and our staff and outreach workers are busy calling community members to discuss why it’s so important to fill out the Census even during this crisis. Since January, this team has reached over 1,700 people and another 2,300 through social media with information about Census. For information, contact lorena@monumentimpact.org.
Healthy Community & Monument Moves
Our skilled team of promotoras are teaching their Zumba classes via Facebook Messenger while also preparing to launch Zoom class sessions known as Zoomba! Contact Guadalupe@monumentimpact.org.

Our Healthy Community team is also working on a Spanish-language video on to provide information about COVID-19 best practices for prevention like washing your hands regularly; maintaining a positive outlook and being kind to each other while at home; learning new things and more. Together we can keep our community healthy!
Creative Catalyst

In two weeks, we’ll launch our first art competition called CREATIVE CATALYST for students at Diablo Valley College and in high schools in Concord on the following theme: "Art is a powerful catalyst for social change and tool for racial equity. Create a work of art that expresses your vision of an equitable Con cord that works for all residents.” Six cash prizes will be awarded. Launch will be in early April, submissions due May 15.