OUR
PROJECTS
“From the depth of need and despair, people can work together, can organize themselves to solve their own problems, and fill their own needs with dignity and strength.” — Cesar Chavez
PROGRAMS & PROJECTS .
Neighborhood infrastructure
Poor neighborhood conditions and lack of infrastructure on the Canal have contributed to public health and safety problems in the neighborhood.
Our recommendations:
■ Additional street lighting, security cameras, traffic signage, and designated pedestrian walkways.
■ Recycling education programs and installation of public recycling and more trash containers.
■ Safer and adequate housing, via better housing code enforcement and public housing services.
■ Safer physical spaces for children and families to convene, including parks and indoor facilities for after-school
programs and cultural events.
Public
safety
Public safety requires a partnership model based on active and trustworthy collaboration between the Police and the residents of the neighborhood.
Our recommendations:
■ Partnership-building activities between residents and local police, including Neighborhood Safety Committee
meetings, to address police related concerns and organized events such as neighborhood walks and police “walking
the beat,” where police routinely walk through the neighborhood to create personal relationships and learn about
community issues.
■ Additional cultural competence training for police staff with support from community members in curriculum
development.
■ Establish San Rafael as a “Sanctuary City” to protect immigrants’ concerns about deportation and raids.
Education, sports, and arts
Access to quality education and after-school programs to support students with academics, sports, and arts are essential and proactive measures in creating a safe community.
Our recommendations:
■ Increase the offerings of academic programs, sports and arts in the Canal.
■ Increase public space (parks, sports fields, and community center) so that children and youth can play and participate in programs.
Economic development
Despite having one of the highest labor force participation rates in Marin, Latino families in the Canal continue to struggle with poverty and primarily work in the lower wage employment sectors of Marin.
Our recommendations:
■Increase the offer of workforce development programs to connect Canal residents with jobs that pay a living wage.
■Increase the offer of entrepreneurship and microcredit programs to support the Canal's self-employed and entrepreneurs.
■Improve health coverage for Canal residents regardless of their immigration status.
Covid-19
The pandemic has disproportionately affected essential workers and low-income families in the Canal creating an economic crisis.
The combination of the health and economic crisis has worsened the stability of housing, mental health and education for children and young people.
Our recommendations:
■Implement tenant protection policies and provide rental assistance for all low-income tenants.
■Distribute masks, hand sanitizer, and cleaning materials to Canal residents.
■Eliminate technological, cultural, linguistic and social barriers so that Canal residents can easily access Covid-19 tests and vaccines
Foto Voz
La seguridad de la comunidad comienza atravez de la illuminacionminacion. Es importante que la camunidad pued sentirse segura al caminar por las calles. En este proyecto nuevo en