Locality: Local (SCC+)

Deanza College

An undocumented student who has attended a California high school? You may qualify for exemption from out-of-state tuition rates under the California law known as AB 540.
Remember to apply for the De Anza College Promise: Eligible students get free tuition and fees for two years, plus $1,000 that you can use for books, materials or even a computer! Key Words: ESL

SJPL Family Learning Centers

Family Learning Centers (FLCs) offer free learning opportunities, resources and services for adults and families. The Centers are designed to support:
English Language Learners (ELL)
Immigrants
Adults with Intellectual and Learning Disabilities
Older Adults/Seniors
Members of underserved and underrepresented communities
programs include education, technology and skills-building opportunities. Multi-language
Spanish |
Vietnamese |
Chinese Simplified |
Chinese Traditional |

Santa Clara County wants employers to require vaccines for employees

7/22/21 Health officers from three Bay Area counties announced Thursday that they want all employers to require their employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19, with few exceptions.
“With the rise in COVID-19 cases leaving unvaccinated individuals at risk for serious illness and death, the health officers of Contra Costa, Santa Clara and San Francisco counties strongly urge all employers to consider implementing workplace COVID-19 safety protocols that require their workforce to get fully vaccinated as soon as possible” said Dr. George Han, deputy health officer for Santa Clara County. “We know vaccines are the best tool we have to combat COVID-19 and they are safe and effective even in the context of the Delta variant.”

San Francisco Respect and Love Toolkits

This toolkit serves as a practical demonstration of San Francisco’s commitment to serve and support all people. These resources are available for those who live in fear
stemming from their immigration status and to educate and inform their allies. The toolkit includes ways to identify and find support for newcomers, ensuring that San
Francisco is a safe and inclusive city for everyone, offering access to important services geared toward integration and inclusion. This is a snapshot of the services available in San Francisco; for a more comprehensive look, please visit www.sfgov.org/oceia/immigrant-affairs or call 311 and press 3 for “other services.” Key Words: Sanctuary Multi-language:
Spanish |
Vietnamese |
Chinese |
Arabic |
Russian

SCC OIR Newsletter: June 2021

This month we celebrate our LGBTQ+ community by recognizing trailblazers that have fought for our rights to exist fully and authentically and we uplift Immigrant Heritage Month as we acknowledge the contributions of our essential workers, contributions to our economy ,and honor the sacrifices made for a better life! We continue to fight against anti-Asian hate and push for more immigration relief efforts. Additionally, we reflect on the long history of Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19th in remembrance of the day all people living in the United States, including formerly enslaved, were granted freedom. This year, President Biden signed a bill acknowledging Juneteenth as a national holiday.

More Contagious Delta Variant Now Dominating California

7/7/21 The rapid spread of the more contagious Delta variant is now causing concern among health officials who warn of a possible outbreak of the infection in communities with low vaccination rates.
While people who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 may have high protection levels against the more transmissible variant, people who have not yet received vaccine shots have fallen ill, according to a data analysis by the Los Angeles Times.
The Delta variant is believed to be at least 60% more transmissible than the Alpha variant… Key Words COVID-19

How to get emergency alerts about California wildfires and other disasters

7/9/21 Wildfire season is here. And because a fire can start and spread in mere moments, the best way to survive is to get out of the fire’s path – quickly.
Every fire season there are countless reports of people who relied on alerts that never arrived because they didn’t know they needed to sign up for them. In other instances, the equipment failed. Or the alert arrived, but residents were confused about how and where to evacuate.
Thanks to the recent advancements, officials can now notify and protect residents with life-saving instructions and information through specialized mass communication tools.

San Jose’s Vietnamese community struggles with its political voice

7/9/21 In a city with the largest Vietnamese population in the nation, Vietnamese Americans are still struggling to find their voices in politics.
The lack”and loss”of Vietnamese representation in San Jose politics is the result of a number of factors, community leaders say, including an inherited distrust in politics and a generational and ideological division in the community.

State rent relief program serves South Bay residents

7/16/21 When California started its COVID-19 rent relief program in April with a plan to disburse $33 million in federal funds to San Jose residents, the city and Santa Clara County decided to run their own joint program for extremely low income households.
But this hybrid approach creates problems, state officials say.
“We have two programs in the same area”¦ which just creates a really difficult logistical scenario for both of us” said Jessica Hayes, branch chief of disaster recovery for California’s Department of Housing and Community Development. “It created this very complicated process of trying to figure out how to send people to the right place, and if they didn’t get them to the right place, trying to figure out how not to compromise their information.”

From fields to the frontlines- Chava Bustamante inspires next generation

7/16/21 Bustamante came to the US from Mexico in 1968 and worked in the fields for the next 12 years. He came into contact with the United Farm Workers union in Salinas, and participated in his first strike that year. He formally joined the union in 1975.
The labor organizer, who recently stepped down as executive director of Latinos United for a New America (LUNA), was striking with the United Farm Workers in Salinas. He was sentenced to three months in Monterey County Jail for the strike, and upon release he took a long walk back home and started thinking about his future.

CADRE Connection Newsletter – January 2024

Monthly news from the Santa Clara County chapter of NVOAD (National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster). Information and resources for local, state and national disaster training and relief programs available to Santa Clara County residents. News and updates about CADRE partner organizations, and opportunities to collaborate. The CADRE Newsletter is hosted by SVCN (Silicon Valley Council of Nonprofits). Key Words: Disaster Preparation, SCC

Bay Area has become more segregated over decades, report says

6/21/21 The Bay Area has become more racially segregated since 1990, mirroring a long-running national trend of cities and neighborhoods dividing more starkly along ethnic lines, according to a new study by UC Berkeley researchers.
Oakland, Fremont, San Francisco and San Jose are all among cities ranked as “highly segregated” by the university’s Othering & Belonging Institute.
Although the Bay Area has one of the country’s most diverse populations, researchers say ethnic groups have settled into homogenous neighborhoods, often hindering economic advancement in segregated communities of color. But the Bay Area is not alone ” more than 8 in 10 metro areas have become more exclusionary in recent decades.

Bad to horrific’: Racial discrimination and wealth inequality grew under COVID-19

6/23/21 Inequality in Silicon Valley has gone from “bad to horrific” over the pandemic, as indicators such as hunger, homelessness, income inequality and the wealth gap have all increased since last June, new research shows.
“While our community was shocked at the incredibly high levels of racial discrimination and income and wealth inequality detailed in the 2020 (report), the 2021 Silicon Valley Pain Index shows how the level of inequality during this pandemic has gone from bad to horrific” the report said.
The Silicon Valley Pain Index, conducted by the San Jose State University Human Rights Institute, is an annual report focusing on racial discrimination and income inequality in the region. The report was inspired by an index compiled about New Orleans in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.

Free WiFi Hotspots for Low Income SJ Families

6/25/21 CreaTV is working to bridge the digital divide and we’ve got you connected! If you or anyone in your household is under the age of 24 and needs a stable internet connection or has challenges with speeds or data caps, Wifi hotspots are available for a year at no charge to low-income households in San José. We are here to help you stay on top of all your virtual activities and summer learning goals. For more information and to see if you qualify please call (408) 200-2421 or email community@creatvsj.org

SJ Language Access Policy

11/10/16 The purpose of this policy is to ensure that San Jose City employees make reasonable efforts to minimize
barriers to accessing City programs or services for customers with limited English proficiency and ensure equal access regardless of language proficiency and cultural background.
The City will make reasonable efforts to notify the public about its limited English proficiency policies for department programs and services and how to access language assistance services through departmental websites, translated documents, and community-focused outreach.
Multi-language I Speak Cards
Key Words: Cultural Competence, Disaster, LEP, SCC Language Bank

Older undocumented immigrants to get Medi-Cal health care in CA

6/30/21 California plans to extend Medi-Cal health coverage to some 235,000 low-income undocumented immigrants over the age of 50 – offering the most expansive health coverage in the nation to people without legal residency.
The state already offers Medi-Cal health care to immigrant children and young adults under the age of 26. This latest expansion, once it receives final approval, will mean that many undocumented immigrants, except those who are 26 to 50, will be eligible.

What to do if you lost your Vaccine Card

5/24/21 With California quickly reopening, and businesses increasingly requiring proof of vaccines from employees and customers, it’s time to remember where you stashed your precious COVID-19 vaccination card. It could soon become like a second ticket required for sporting events, international travel and a return to some semblance of normalcy. So what happens if you lost it ” or the dog ate it ” or maybe you never got a card in the first place?
Here’s what you need to know about how to get a new vaccine card, where to store it and more.

Demand for Silicon Valley food pantries remains high

5/30/21 Second Harvest served 250,000 people pre-pandemic. But since last year, the food bank has doubled its number of beneficiaries. According to a recent survey of food pantry clients conducted by Second Harvest, 57% of respondents reported having less than $100 in savings. More than 70% of respondents indicated that someone in their household lost a job or had work hours reduced due to the pandemic.
A recent report by the California Association of Food Banks says that statewide food insecurity increased 2.5 times in 2020 compared to pre-pandemic levels, affecting 10 million Californians.

Silicon Valley, a Global Pandemic,and a Better Normal

6/21 The COVID-19 crisis has caused major disruption across Silicon Valley and exacerbated long-standing structural inequities, demanding a strong response. Silicon Valley has never been satisfied with the status quo, so we set our sights higher. Our Silicon Valley Recovery Roundtable (SVRR) colleagues were tasked with finding ways to emerge from the pandemic into a better, more inclusive, and more equitable region where we could make strides toward resolving long-standing challenges,
and address those magnified by COVID-19.

Free Ride to Vaccine Clinics

Anyone can call 408-809-2124 (TTY 408-321-2330) to request a free round trip ride to any Santa Clara County sponsored vaccination site, at least 2 days before. Also, assistance with making an appointment if requested. Driver will wait and take rider home. Up to 3 people in a party. Children under 18 yrs must have a guardian.

Archive – California says changes ahead for rental relief programLandlords, tenants say relief has been slow

6/10/21 After widespread criticism from tenants and landlords, state officials said Thursday they plan to streamline applications and step-up outreach efforts to more quickly deliver $2.6 billion in emergency rental assistance.
Despite nearly 200,000 applications requesting $543 million to cover unpaid rent, just $40 million has been distributed across California, according to state data. Advocacy groups continued to sound alarms, saying the state needs to accelerate the distribution of relief checks or risk a wave of evictions when a state moratorium expires June 30.
Housing is Key COVID-19 Rent Relief App

Non-profit Racial Equity Pledge

The disparate health and economic impacts of COVID-19 pandemic on Silicon Valley communities of color are a profound illustration of the devastating cost of systemic racism
130 nonprofit leaders, recognize these inequities and commit to action for racial justice. They pledge to take anti-racist stances in our community, and to incorporate core values of racial equity, inclusion, and diversity in their organizations. Key Words: SVCN

SJ Japantown Foot Patrol Aims to Halt Anti-Asian Crimes Trend

5/5/21 The patrols come amid an apparent rise in crimes against Asian American residents across the U.S. At least two elderly Asian men were killed this year in the Bay Area by strangers on the street. In the tunnel beneath Diridon Station in San Jose, a man attacked a woman, yelling “F*ck you, Asians” as she screamed.
Japantown residents have stepped up to protect seniors and businesses from violence and petty crimes. Last month, retired San Jose police officer Rich Saito created Japantown Prepared, an informal group of volunteers who don red vests and walk the neighborhood’s busiest boulevards, including Empire, Jackson and Taylor streets.

SCC OIR Newsletter: May 2021

The Office of Immigrant Relations is excited to launch “WE BELONG: Our Voice, Our Story, and Our Solution!” a project of the New American Fellowship Cohort V. DACA recipients will participate in a 10-week fellowship where they will receive mentorship from distinguished Santa Clara County leaders, learn from and uplift some of the County’s most impactful grassroots leaders and community-based organizations, and shape and execute a community-based research project.

Jewish Community Relations Council

For decades, JCRC has led the Bay Area Jewish community to create and strengthen coalitions, and to build bridges with other ethnic, civic and faith groups to advance a civil and just society. In recent years, we have worked in coalition on immigration, economic and racial justice, human trafficking, poverty and other policy matters. Offices in San Mateo and San Francisco

CRISP (Collaborative Resources for Immigrant Services on the Peninsula)

a collaborative project involving seven member organizations whose shared mission is to provide free or low-cost immigration legal services to children, families, and the elderly living in Peninsula communities. CRISP partners rely on collaborative engagement and referral processes, high quality legal representation and support, and coordinated outreach efforts that enable more efficient delivery of immigration services and support in the Peninsula region. Serving San Mateo County. The partner agencies include:
Asian Pacific Islander Legal Outreach (API Legal Outreach) |
Catholic Charities Center for Immigration Legal and Support Services |
Coastside Hope (CH) |
Community Legal Services in East Palo Alto (CLSEPA) |
Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC) |
Immigration Institute of the Bay Area – Redwood City Office (IIBA-RWC) |
La Raza Centro Legal (LRCL) |
Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County (LASSMC) |

Months into rollout, barriers hinder vaccine access for Latino and Black Californians

4/15/21 Halfway into April, the vaccination rollout continues to lag for many Latino and Black Californians. Bay Area community leaders, residents and experts say that multiple factors, including the technological savvy required to make appointments, a lack of centralized information about how to get the shots, and inconsistent services from community clinics have combined to make every step of the process a challenge for people who are most at risk for getting sick.

COVID-19 CA Emergency Rent Relief Program

The Eviction Moratorium expired on 3/31/22 and applications are no longer being accepted for the CA Rent Relief program. If you submitted a complete application prior to March 31, 2022, and are pending a final decision from the program, state law provides eviction protections against unlawful detainer actions as a result of nonpayment of rent for the months of eligible assistance you requested. These state level protections are in place until June 30, 2022.
Check the status of your submitted application HERE
. To request additional support with your application, call the CA COVID-19 Rent Relief call Center at 833-430-2122.
For additional questions regarding legal protections that may be available to you, please visit www.lawhelpca.org/ for more information.
Multi-language: English, Spanish |
Chinese |
Korean |
Vietnamese |
Tagalog
Key Words: Pandemic

SCC Senior Parcel Tax Exemption Applications

23 of 32 school districts in Santa Clara County offer parcel tax exemptions for seniors and/or homeowners with disabilities, but they are often not publicized well and taxpayers may not know they are eligible for an exemption.
Most exemption applications are around a page long and consist of proof of ownership, proof of residence, and proof of birthdate. For SSI applicants a copy of your Benefits Verification Letter is required. It can be difficult to find information about parcel tax exemptions so we have compiled a list of school district names, phone numbers and links to applying for a parcel tax exemption below.

Agricultural Workers Complete Vaccinations through Partnership with County of Santa Clara, Monterey Mushrooms, United Farm Workers and UFW Foundation

3/31/21 Frontline agricultural workers received second doses of the COVID-19 vaccine on César Chavez Day. Approximately 1,000 workers completed their COVID-19 vaccination on Sunday, March 28 and at the César Chavez Day event on March 31.
The vaccination drive is a partnership between the County of Santa Clara, United Farm Workers, Monterey Mushrooms, and the UFW Foundation. There have been numerous vaccination events for farm workers at Monterey Mushrooms and other farms in the area.
Key Words: Pandemic, Coronavirus, undocumented

Our Post-Covid Lives Shouldn’t Go Back to ‘Normal’ – They Should Go Back Better

4/2/21 Op-Ed By Susan Ellenberg
Covid-19 stripped down our support structures and shone an unforgiving light on the pre-existing gaps in services for our county’s families, specifically as they relate to health, food and internet access.
Those gaps are holding our community back and it is our collective responsibility to not only bridge those gaps but take us further together.
Key Words: COVID-19, Pandemic, Equity

South Bay Vietnamese Americans wrestle with COVID-19, lack of information

12/15/20 San Jose alone is home to more than 100,000 Vietnamese American residents as of 2010 and has the largest population of Vietnamese Americans of any city outside of Vietnam. Santa Clara County as a whole has roughly 140,000 residents of Vietnamese ancestry. Yet, little is known about how COVID-19 has affected the Vietnamese American community in Santa Clara County.
The county has not published specific information about the community. Its data portal, which provides information on coronavirus case and death rates for different racial groups, does not include a breakdown of different Asian American subgroups, a category that includes Chinese Americans, Indian Americans and Filipino Americans.

Amid anti-Asian violence, San Jose’s Vietnamese residents embrace COVID-19 vaccines

4/2/21 Despite a fear of anti-Asian violence hanging over their heads, some Vietnamese residents lined up as early as 4 a.m. to get a COVID-19 vaccine at a new mobile clinic this week ” a chance to defend themselves against a virus that’s disproportionately infecting them.
“We initially expected around 700 people but now there’s about 1,000” said Asian American Center of Santa Clara County CEO MyLinh Pham. She organized a mass vaccination event in the heart of the city’s Vietnamese community within the span of a few days after getting 475 doses – but had to find a few hundred more after running out in the early afternoon.

Santa Clara County To Launch Mobile COVID Vaccination Unit After Receiving $200K Donation

3/29/21 SCC officials and the chief executive of San Jose-based Bloom Energy on Monday announced a $199,000 donation to the Valley Medical Center Foundation to cover the purchase cost of a mobile COVID-19 vaccine unit.
The vaccination unit will target residents who are homebound, elderly and disabled as well as residents that live in the county’s underserved areas that have been hardest hit by the pandemic. Key Words: Disaster

Veggielution Community Farm

Veggielution Community Farm was created in 2008 to help people make healthy food choices and provide opportunities for connecting with the natural world. We are fostering a sustainable food system through our urban farm that engages the community by providing access to organic and local food, creates youth leadership opportunities, and develops creative solutions to environmental and social justice issues. Veggielution partners with GFS and 3 other local agencies in the Sí Se Puede! Collective. Multi-language: Spanish

Cancer CAREpoint

Cancer CAREpoint provides personalized Counseling, Assistance, Resources & Education to all Silicon Valley cancer patients, survivors, families & caregivers at no cost. Multi-language: Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, Arabic, Russian, Italian, Portuguese, Hindi

Alum Rock Counseling Center

Our programs entail working with parents of infants & teens, keeping at-risk youth in a drug and violence-free school environment as well as on-site crisis counseling. We proudly serve all of Santa Clara County. info@alumrockcc.org Multi-language: Spanish

Latino Business Foundation Silicon Valley

BUSINESS ACADEMY – One of the main causes for new small business operations to close is due to lack of knowledge in business planning and operations. Latino Business Foundation Silicon Valley has created a Small Business Academy Program aimed to provide small business owners with the training, education and coaching to plan, organize, direct, execute and control their resources in order to obtain maximum benefit and achieve sustainable positive results.
Latino Business Foundation Silicon Valley recognizes the common obstacles women owned businesses often face and has developed workshops designed to assist the participants to overcome these struggles.

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Archive – What Santa Clara County renters, landlords should know about evictions

3/16/21 Renters affected by the pandemic likely took a sigh of relief when, early this year, California lawmakers extended the statewide ban on evictions for those facing financial hardships until the end of June. The law also created a rental assistance program to help lift lower-income renters out of rental debt. The program started taking applications this week.
The application does not ask for or require proof of citizenship. Multi-language: Spanish ***
List of Organizations Helping Renters with Applications
Key Words: Undocumented

United Peace Collaborative

We focus on making the maximum positive effort for our community. Our members and volunteers provide the momentum that helps us affect change. Using data driven models, we provide solutions that make a long-lasting difference. Build a stronger Chinese/Asian Community in SF & elsewhere. Assist seniors, women, children, and the disabled. Tasks: Educate Asians about basic rights as Americans, inform people what are reportable crimes, give info and resources to people who have needs.

Expand Ability

Expandability’s mission is to provide support and services that aim to improve the quality of life of people with disabilities by supporting and developing their abilities through advocacy and meaningful employment. Services currently provided virtually due to COVID-19. A program of Goodwill of Silicon Valley
Key Words: AFN, job search, disability

Archive – Oakland clinic offers Mayan interpreter for COVID-19 vaccinations

3/19/21 This month, La Clinica de La Raza began offering the community-targeted vaccination service at 32 locations across the Bay Area, including ASCEND Elementary School on East 12th Street, where Latinos who speak Mam, K’iche ‘and Q’eqchi’ can get translation help from appointment to inoculation on Thursdays.
There are over 22 different Mam dialects spoken primarily by people of Guatemalan and Mexican descent. According to a recent UC San Francisco study, Mayan people with Guatemalan roots are the fastest-growing ethnic group in Oakland.

How the Bay Area failed Latino residents during the COVID crisis

3/14/21 Case rates for Latino residents are nearly four times higher than for White residents, analysis shows. Why?
Public health leaders’ centerpiece strategy, the nation’s first and strictest stay-at-home orders instituted one year ago, proved ill-suited for a population whose members often live in crowded housing and have no alternative to working outside the home. And local and state governments were slow to muster the focus and resources that might have made a real difference, even as community advocates pleaded for more action.
Key Words: Pandemic, Coronavirus

Their East San Jose neighbors were dying. So frustrated community leaders formed their own COVID task force

3/14/21 Magdalena Carrasco’s frustration was boiling over. More than a third of Santa Clara County’s first coronavirus deaths had swept through just four ZIP codes in the East San Jose community where she had grown up.
She wasn’t surprised by the outsized toll on the City Council district she represented: While office workers stayed home, traffic had hardly eased in East San Jose as residents went to their shifts as cooks, cleaners and grocery store employees.
Yet as of mid-May, the two testing sites in East San Jose were open only by appointment on weekdays, and many Spanish speakers still didn’t know what to do if they got sick on the job.
Key Words: Pandemic, Coronavirus

5 lessons COVID-19 has taught us for the next pandemic

3/16/21 The pandemic that launched the nation’s first and most ambitious experiment to slow the spread of COVID-19 ” stay-home orders for 7.6 million Bay Area residents ” is easing. It’s left behind shattered lives, economic upset and widened racial inequities, but also valuable lessons which could strengthen our future response to outbreaks of deadly contagion. “Despite these enormous hardships, we have so many reasons for hope and a better future now” said Dr. Dan Lowenstein, executive vice chancellor and provost of UC San Francisco.

Effects of Anti-Asian Racism During the Pandemic

CAN/DID: Standing Against Racism and Injustice is an ongoing multimedia series that builds on the knowledge and experience of De Anza College students, faculty and classified professionals
An exploration of equity and social justice issues – including lessons we can all learn from the struggles of many different groups and individuals Key Words: Diversity, Chinese, COVID-19

Archive – San Jose – Digital Inclusion Partnership

12/31/23 Website gone

2/21 The CA Emerging Technology (CETF) has been funded to work with communities throughout San José to close the digital divide through expanding device access, digital adoption and literacy skills. Digital Inclusion Partnership in collaboration with the CETF is a non-profit organization that provides statewide leadership to accelerate the deployment and adoption of broadband to unserved and underserved communities and populations in California. Key Words: DIGITAL LITERACY

SCC OIR Newsletter: February 2021

Including OIR’s Statement of Solidarity with Our Asian Community Members *** Immigration Update – Biden Administration Actions & Announcements *** Remembering Three Prominent Community Leaders who Passed Away, Their Legacy Lives On. Karita Hummer, Father Bill Leininger and Fred Hirsch ***
Announcements: Public Health orders allow essential volunteers helping nonprofits distribute food necessities. Sign up here to support our community! #SiliconValleyStrong *** Santa Clara County COVID-19 Vaccination: Please visit the Santa Clara County Public Health website to learn more about vaccination distribution in our communities.
Key Words: Pandemic

Asian, Inc.

We empower diversity by creating opportunities in business development, housing and financial education, targeting low- to moderate-income communities of all races.

SCC OIR Newsletter – December 2020

Santa Clara County Office of Immigrant Relations Holiday message in English, Spanish and Tagalog – OIR sends our gratitude and extends solidarity to all who have been supporting emergency response efforts over the last nine months and everyone who has worked tirelessly to support our most vulnerable Black and Brown families in the greatest time of need.
And despite the hardships, we are hopeful that we will continue to reimagine a more just, equitable and humane world. We write to you today with a message of love. We will get through this, together.

SCC OIR Newsletter: November 2020

Post Election Statement – In the Santa Clara County Office of Immigrant Relations, we are committed to the following Equity values:
Justice for all.
The pursuit of peace and happiness.
Hard work and reaching our fullest potential by building a system free from domination, oppression, and exploitation.
EVERYONE has the right to exist free from fear, trauma, pain, and suffering.
Immigrants enrich our communities and we should decolonize our views of world regions they come from.
We must move forward, TOGETHER.
The time to do the right things is always now.
We WILL NOT stay silent in the face of injustice.

SCC OIR Newsletter: September 2020

In celebration of Welcoming Week 2020, the Santa Clara County Office of Immigrant Relations partnered with Factr’s Footprints Guild to celebrate immigrant artists. Visit the newly created virtual art gallery focused on Creating Home Together.
The Footprints Guild brings together artists and artisans from around the world and helps them in entrepreneurship at the community scale. This micro-enterprise project allows the artists to present their work in the marketplace to encourage self-sufficiency and realization. It showcases the diversity of the community and enhances the cultural education of the greater community.

SCC Commission on the Status of Women Mini-Grant Application

The CSW supports programs, events, and causes throughout the year collaboratively and financially through mini grants. Grants are made for up to $1,500 to non-profits for programs and one-time events, or to an individual or group raising funds that support women and girls in Santa Clara County. Requests will be considered for programs, events, or causes that promote women and girls in leadership roles, promote ending of violence against women and girls, support the health needs of women and girls. Applicants must submit the completed Mini-Grant Application with Checklist form via email to:
CSW@ceo.sccgov.org

San Jose scrambles to respond to attacks on elderly Asian Americans

2/20/21 San Jose lawmakers took steps this week to deter hate crimes and protect would-be victims after a string of seemingly xenophobic attacks targeting Asian American elders around the Bay Area hit close to home just before Lunar New Year. ….
The committee unanimously approved Peralez’s plan, which directs city leaders to host community listening sessions, plan safety workshops and partner with the District Attorney’s Office on efforts to address hate crimes.

Archive – A statement from Asian American Community Organizations and Allies Demanding Action and Solidarity Against Violence

2/12/21 As community-based organizations and foundations committed to racial equity and justice for Asian and Pacific Islander, Black, Indigenous, and Latino communities of color, we come together to send a clear, unified message of solidarity opposing xenophobia, discrimination, and violence. We denounce the recent violent crimes perpetrated against the elderly Asian American community within the Bay Area and nationally. We stand in solidarity with the victims, their families, and all who have been affected by these horrific acts. Key Words: Hate Crimes, SCC, Santa Clara County, pandemic, COVID-19

Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR)

Based in Santa Clara, CA, CAIR-SFBA is America’s largest Islamic civil liberties group, with regional offices nationwide.
Our mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims. The CAIR-SFBA office is now offering low-cost or pro bono legal assistance for citizenship, adjustment of status, family petitions, asylum, Temporary Protected Status (TPS), T-Visas, U-Visas, and Violence against Women Act (VAWA) self-petitions, Asylum, Afghan SIV
Request Legal Assistance |
Report an Incident of racial or religious discrimination or Request Legal Services
Key Words: KYR, Hate Crime, Muslim,

Heart of the Valley Services for Seniors

We can offer friendly phone calls to keep connected, no contact gardening and Household Hazardous Waste Pickup for seniors over 65 years old who live in: Santa Clara, Cupertino, Sunnyvale, Saratoga, Monte Sereno, Los Gatos, Campbell, and the West San Jose zip codes 95117, 95125, 95126, 95128, 95129, 95130.
Call (408) 241-1571</strong >
Service Eligibility We serve adults 65 years of age or older who reside in West Santa Clara County, depending on your zip code. Let’s see if we can help you! There are no waiting lists, or lengthy registration process. If you qualify, you become our client and can begin requesting services at least 7 business days in advance of your need.
See if you are eligible Key Words: Trnsportation

New Hope Chinese Cancer Foundation

Free assistance for Chinese cancer patients in Santa Clara County. New Hope Milpitas office will be open on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday morning from 10-12 pm. Please call ahead before visiting. Face covering and keeping social distance is required. Patient services, transportation, survivorship classes, and support groups will be conducted online. For inquiries, please contact info@newhopecancer.org or 408-609-3338 Multi-language: Chinese Key Words: AFN

South Bay Mutual Aid

8/3/21 COVID-19 Update
Due to an overwhelming number of requests we are temporarily closing the request form to allow our volunteers to catch up, we will reopen this form in September, thank you for all your support!
We are a coalition of students, workers, and community members organizing mutual aid in the South Bay (Santa Clara County) Monterey and San Benito County. Assistance with groceries, medical and cleaninig supplies, facemasks, transportation to medical appointments, Key Words: COVID-19, Pandemic Multi-language: Spanish

SCC Section 8 Rental Assistance Interest List Registration

Online Registration is STILL open! To improve your access to housing opportunities, our new online interest lists are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Joining our interest lists tells us you would like to receive rental assistance in Santa Clara County through the Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8).
The Santa Clara County Housing Authority will never charge you to receive a Section 8 voucher. Multi-language:
Spanish |
Vietnamese |

Santa Clara County Coroner’s Office

Services Provided ***Information relating to unattended, unusual, violent, or accidental deaths ***Autopsy reports relating to unattended, unusual, violent, or accidental deaths ***Private autopsies (cost associated), when requested by the legal next-of-kin and approved by the on-call Medical Examiner ***Community education classes and presentations ***Decedent identification and notification of next-of-kin
Request for Indigent Internment
Key Words: Cremation, Funeral

Valley Connection Call Center (Testing & Vaccination Appointments)

2/4/21 The County’s website
provides information and links for making vaccine appointments with providers across the county.
In addition, SCC residents without internet access or who need additional assistance can make appointments for the County Health System vaccine sites through the Valley Connection Call Center at 408-970-2000. The Call Center is open Monday through Friday from 7am to 9pm and Saturday and Sunday from 8am to 4:30pm. Multi-language: English, Spanish, Vietnamese, and other languages .Key Words: Pandemic, COVID-19

Season of Sharing forms and guidelines – Revised

11/21 Assistance from the Chronicle Season of Sharing Fund is available to low-to-moderate income families with dependent children, senior citizens (55+), disabled individuals, veterans, victims of domestic violence, pregnant women in their 2nd or 3rd trimester, and transitioning emancipated foster youth who have a critical need and who reside in the counties of Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano, or Sonoma.
Housing Assistance and Critical Family Needs assistance is provided in the form of grants that are paid directly to the supplier of services, such as a landlord. Applicants do not receive direct grants. Multi-language:
Spanish

Archive – SJ passes mandatory $3-an-hour pay raise for grocery workers

2/9/21 Thousands of San Jose grocery store workers will soon receive a $3-an-hour boost on their paychecks, as San Jose became the latest city to pass a new ordinance compelling large grocers to offer their employees hazard pay for their high risk of catching COVID-19 at work.
The San Jose City Council voted 7-3 Tuesday night for a new ordinance temporarily requiring corporate grocery stores, chain supermarkets and retail stores that sell groceries and employ at least 300 people nationwide to pay workers an additional $3 an hour on top of their regular wages. The ordinance will last for 120 days after it goes into effect. Small businesses and franchises with less than 300 employees are exempt.

SJ Airport Help for People with Disabilities

12/21/20 Mineta San José International Airport Introduces Sunflower Lanyard Program to Ease Travel for People with Disabilities – By wearing the lanyard, travelers with invisible or less visible disabilities identify themselves as being in possible need of extra assistance or service. Offered in conjunction with the California State Council on
Developmental Disability (SCDD). Key Words: AFN

Delays, Barriers Plague Santa Clara County’s Quarantine Subsidies

12/8/20 With applications for financial help taking weeks and months to process, if at all, the county’s would-be beneficiaries face an impossible choice. Amid a staggering surge in Covid-19 filling up hospitals and prompting economically devastating lockdowns, Healing Grove Executive Director Brett Bymaster says an untold number of mostly poor, mostly Latino people are choosing to go back to work to avoid homelessness.

SafeChat Silicon Valley

SafeChatSV is a confidential online chat platform for people that have experienced or are experiencing domestic violence or intimate partner violence to connect with an advocate for support.
SafeChatSV is a collaborative project of domestic violence organizations in Silicon Valley. Trained, confidential advocates are available to provide emotional support, connection to resources, and education around domestic violence and relationship abuse. Multi-language: Spanish, Vietnamese

Wellbeing & Suicide Prevention Resources for the LGBTQ+ Community

11/20 The County of Santa Clara Behavioral Health Services department has released a new resource for members of the LGBTQ+ community. This two-sided flyer lists 25 different places to get support, including counseling, medical care, crisis lines, and peer support. Multi-language: English,
Spanish,
Chinese, and Vietnamese. Key Wprds: SCC, therapy,

AirNow Interactive National Air Quality Map

AirNow is your one-stop source for air quality data. Our recently redesigned site highlights air quality in your local area first, while still providing air quality information at state, national, and world views. A new interactive map even lets you zoom out to get the big picture or drill down to see data for a single air quality monitor.
AirNow reports air quality using the official U.S. Air Quality Index (AQI), a color-coded index designed to communicate whether air quality is healthy or unhealthy for you. When you know the AQI in your area, you can take steps to protect your health.

Wi-Fi Hotspots for San Jose Library Members

As part of the SJ Access initiative, you can check out a Wi-Fi hotspot device with your SJPL membership. Not a Library member, yet? Get a library card
This service is FREE and available to adults (18+) living in Santa Clara County.
Hotspot devices are subject to availability and can only be requested by calling a participating location (see list). Key Words: Communication, internet, connect

La Mesa Verde (LMV)

Families join La Mesa Verde through our 11-month introductory garden course. La Mesa Verde provides the necessary supplies for an organic backyard garden to 50 new low income families a year, including two 4’x 8′ garden beds, organic soil and compost, drip irrigation, and organic seeds and seedlings. Families participate in monthly garden workshops taught by Master Gardeners and LMV members, which include both sustainable garden practices and critical analysis of the food system. By participating in La Mesa Verde, families develop gardening practices that increase overall health and well-being, and join a supportive, organized community.

SCC Office of Immigrant Relations (OIR) Newsletter: September 2020

10/31/20 Santa Clara County joins more than hundreds of communities across the Us to celebrate Welcoming Week 2020. For this year’s theme, “Creating Home Together,” the OIR hosted virtual events during the week of 9/9/20 – 9/12/20
Activities included FREE virtual legal consultations, guided family wellness activity in English & Spanish, three panel discussions with guests focused on immigrant resiliency, immigrants as essential workers, and honoring immigrant contributions. We will also be sharing resources for #DREAMERs and immigrant youth. AND we will be hosting a virtual art gallery which will highlight the work of immigrant artists.

Archive – COVID-19 infections among Latinx seeing sharp decline in SCC

9/28/20 After data busted the myth that COVID-19 was “the great equalizer” and made it clear the disease has had disproportionate affects on Santa Clara County’s Latinx population, public health officials say rates finally are starting to decrease in the hardest hit communities.
“The rates among the Latinx community were really soaring in July. They were across the county but particularly steep in the Latinx community and to some extent in the African American community” said Public Health Officer Dr. Sara Cody. “We are now seeing the rates decline not just across the county but most steeply among the Latinx community.”

Returning Home After A Wildfire

8/28/20 Safety Tips from the CA DEPT of FORESTRY and FIRE PROTECTION – Once a wildfire has burned through an area, many dangers could remain. Firefighters and utility workers begin restoring fire damaged areas as soon as they can. Making the area safe for the public can take multiple days. Stay out of the evacuation area until fire officials tell you it is safe to return. It is extremely important to be aware of the hazards and know what to look for when the evacuation order is lifted.

St. Joseph’s Family Center in Gilroy

CARES Act Funding – Apply by 9/30/20. The City of Gilroy, in partnership with St. Joseph’s Family Center, is providing Community Development Block Grant CARES Act funding (CDBG-CV) towards a rental assistance program for extremely low income people.
Spanish
Ongoing programs: Drive-thru grocery distribution Mondays – Fridays from 8:00am – 2:00pm **** One time emergency rental and utilities assistance **** Transportation resources for homeless. Services are typically limited to families /individuals who meet low-come requirements and living in Gilroy or San Martin, CA. Multi-language