Monument Impact celebrates 20 years helping immigrants and refugees Sept. 23
Concord, CA (Sept. 22, 2021) —As it celebrates 20 years of service to the Contra Costa County immigrants and refugee community, Monument Impact will (virtually) host its annual gala on Thursday, September 23, 2021, at 7 p.m. PT. Featuring entertainment and musical performances by Latino fusion group AJAYU and spoken word artist Jose Cordon, along with other special guest appearances, the gala will honor Monument Impact’s accomplishments and raise much-needed funds to support community members.
These community members are at the heart of Monument Impact’s programs as the state eviction moratorium expires on September 30 and is reported as unlikely to be extended. Through the $2M Monument Relief and Recovery Fund, Monument Impact provided financial support to more than 2,300 community members, 83% of whom reported they used it to pay rent and utilities.
2020 was a critical year of need as Monument Impact dramatically expanded its programs to reach more than 11,000 residents. In March 2021, the organization’s efforts were recognized on a visit by Gov. Gavin Newsom, who said, “I just want to acknowledge the extraordinary work that Monument Impact has been doing for our diverse and underserved communities here in Contra Costa County. Happy 20th anniversary!”
20 years of service
“We’re proud of our 20 years of service, while remaining clear-eyed about what the next 20 years may bring,” said Monument Impact Executive Director Debra Ballinger. “As the cost of a home in cities like Concord approach record highs and renting a stable, affordable home remains out of reach for thousands of Contra Costa immigrants, refugees and low-income residents, our work is ever more vital.
Whether it’s obtaining emergency rental assistance, offering technology skills trainings, ensuring tenants know and can exercise their rights or fighting for an ordinance to address landlord harassment in Concord, we continue to have the backs of community members who need support the most.”
“When I lost my job, I was faced with the biggest financial burden. My biggest fear and worry was to lose the place where I was living. I thought, ‘Where would I go with my children?’ Luckily, I met someone who gave me information about Monument Impact where I was able to get help and solve one of my biggest fears,” said Gilma Isabel Orellana Lucero, a local community member.
“Upon receiving the help from the Monument Relief Fund, this felt like a lifeline for me. It came at the perfect time because I was in desperate need and didn’t know what to do. It was a huge relief to say I get to stay here in my home with my children.”
In addition to the Monument Relief and Recovery Fund, Monument Impact provided essential services during the COVID-19 pandemic, including sending community health advocates, known as promotores, to guide community members to language-accessible vaccinations and vaccine information; bilingual information on food distribution locations and unemployment forms; free weekly tenant legal clinics; and virtual technology classes and case workers to help navigate the complex emergency rental assistance program (ERAP) offered by the state of California. Monument Impact continues to provide programming to support mental and physical health, community building and civic engagement, and employment readiness and small business development.
Support for emerging businesses
“The City of Concord is proud to partner with Monument Impact by providing federal grant funds for the Emerging Businesses Support program,” said City of Concord Housing Manager Brenda Kain. “This program supports entrepreneurship and promotes self-sufficiency by assisting low-income small business owners with formalizing their businesses through the City and County business licensing process.
While the system can be hard to navigate, Monument Impact’s excellent staff provides the guidance needed. This program is a vital resource for micro-entrepreneurs and provides a valuable service to the City.”
The 20th anniversary gala is sponsored by ACLU of Northern California, CFOS2GO, Chu and Waters, LLP, Contra Costa Central Labor Council, Concord Councilmember Carlyn Obringer, Concord Vice Mayor Dominic Aliano, East Bay Alliance for a Sustainable Economy, Concord Councilmember Edi Birsan, F&M Bank, John Muir Health, TranscendIT Health, Turo, and Urban Habitat.
Monument Impact is a Concord-based organization serving immigrants, refugees and low-income residents throughout Contra Costa County. Its mission is to ensure immigrants, refugees and residents in Concord and surrounding communities have the voice, tools and relationships necessary to have an equitable share of the social and economic wealth in our region. Learn more at MonumentImpact.org.