San Francisco Foundation proudly recognizes Latinx Heritage Month, which takes place from September 15 to October 15. The Latinx population is one of the fastest growing demographics in California, currently representing about 24% of Bay Area residents (Bay Area Equity Atlas, 2020). The Bracero Program in 1942-1964 sparked an influx of Latinx migration to the Bay Area, to support labor shortages in San Francsico and Oakland. More recently, Latinx people make up 55% of essential frontline workers, and are overrepresented in the low wage work of agriculture workers in California. (Unidos US, 2022). This Give Guide highlights organizations who actively respond to the needs and rights of the low-income, immigrant, and indigenous Latinx people in the Bay Area.
Canal Alliance
Canal Alliance is beacon and resource hub for immigrant families in Marin County, where wealth and education disparities are on the rise. At Canal Alliance one can receive English classes, immigration legal services and support getting professional certifications through their Workforce Development pathways. Their University Prep program (UP!) supports Marin County high school and middle school students prepare for a four–year college degree and navigate the college enrollment process.
Donor Center Specifics:
Grantee: Canal Alliance
Short purpose: For general support.
CARECEN San Francisco (Central American Resource Center Northern California)
CARECEN’s mission is to empower Latinx families with legal education and advance the rights for people who migrate to the San Francsico Bay Area. CARECEN provides immigration legal assistance and court representation. They advocate for juvenile justice and host a Second Chance Youth Program with access to a tattoo removal clinic, peer support groups, and summer field trips or internships. Their advocacy extends to several campaigns, including the “Caravan for the Children” campaign (which demands reunification of migrant children in ICE custody), “Defend DACA” and several others.
Donor Center Specifics:
Grantee: Central American Resource Center CARECEN Northern California
Short purpose: For general support.
Monument Impact
Based in Contra Costa County, Monument Impact strives to provide immigrants and refugees secure living-wage jobs, and stable housing with programs such as CalWORKs, tenant protection organizing and tenant legal clinics. Monument Impact supports immigrant entrepreneurs to take ownership of their skills and make a sustainable livelihood through their Emerging Business Support and Asset Building Programs.
Donor Center Specifics:
Grantee: Monument Impact
Short purpose: For general support.
Mujeres Unidas y Activas
Mujeres Unidas y Activas is an organization of Latina and Indigenous immigrant women with the mission of increasing their personal and community power for social and economic justice. MUA offers counseling services through “Soul Clincs”, English classes, and prioritize group healing through art and family support workshops. MUA also hosts a Mam Group, led by indigenous women from Guatemala offering resources and a support group fully in the indigenous Mayan language of Mam.
Donor Center Specifics:
Grantee: Mujeres Unidas y Activas
Short purpose: For general support.
The Unity Council
The Unity Council (previously known as The Spanish Speaking Unity Council of Alameda County) was established during the US Civil Rights Movement by local community leaders who wanted to advance political representation of Latinx people in the East Bay Area. Unity Council invested in the development of the Fruitvale Transit Village, a “mixed-use” development that offers community members access to adorable housing, the Fruitvale Neighborhood Career & Resource center, food distribution and early childhood education services. Unity Council owns and manages several affordable housing developments across the East Bay, including three senior housing properties.
Donor Center Specifics:
Grantee: The Unity Council
Short purpose: For general support.
