As EBHO’s first-ever Suburban Organizer, it has been an honor to help build power in the often-overlooked suburban communities of the East Bay. Coming from Temecula, California, a suburban community in Southern California, I have already faced unique struggles and challenges that helped prepare me to take on this role. As a queer, first-generation student and woman of color, born and raised in a community with very little racial and political diversity, I learned how to uplift those who looked like me, shared similar upbringings to myself, and built bridges between opposing viewpoints. I recognize how challenging it can be to work within these communities, where divisions feel extremely deep and stark; however, I also recognize how finding those common values that unite us together can also result in the most incredibly productive conversations and positive changes. Drawing from my lived experience, I stepped into this role with confidence, optimism, and a clear understanding of the potential challenges involved in organizing these communities.
When I joined in February 2024, the landscape felt heavy—displacement was rising, political will felt shaky, and many community members were discouraged. California is currently experiencing a homelessness crisis that is disproportionately impacting our aging communities. According to the California Budget and Policy Center, adults 50+ now make up nearly 40% of those who are unhoused, with most reporting a disabling condition and surviving on just $1,000 a month—a significantly inadequate income to comfortably afford the average $2,092/mo one-bedroom rent in California. Communities of color are especially hit the hardest, with Black older adults, making up 26% of those accessing homeless services despite being only 5.4% of the 50+ population. Further, older renters across the state are struggling, with over half paying unaffordable rents.
While these are undeniably dark and difficult times, I’ve been fortunate to witness something powerful on the ground. Through every one-on-one conversation, community meeting, and organizing effort, that sense of despair has begun to shift. I saw hope return, and with it, a renewed sense of possibility for what we can build together. Over the last two years, I’ve engaged with an incredible range of voices: seniors, immigrants, tenant leaders, nonprofit developers, faith allies, and first-time voters. Each has contributed to the uniqueness of the housing justice movement.
What follows is a snapshot of the work over the last year in the jurisdictions and activities in Contra Costa County where EBHO and I have been active.
Proposition 5
My first year at EBHO happened to coincide with an election year, so naturally, there was no shortage of action. Initially, our coalition was gearing up for Regional Measure 4 (RM4), but due to legal and other challenges, the Bay Area Housing Finance Authority (BAHFA) made the tough decision to pull RM4 from the ballot. EBHO and our coalition partners then redirected our efforts towards Proposition 5, a statewide measure that would have lowered the voter threshold necessary for housing and infrastructure bonds.
With a desire to build on the previous momentum of our campaign, we hit the ground running! From tabling at Farmer’s Markets to greeting commuters at BART stations, and talking with residents in different community spaces, we were able to inform so many about this crucial campaign. In many of these cases, we were outreaching to first-time voters and individuals who were unfamiliar with Proposition 5. Furthermore, we took on an expanded effort to register voters at various affordable housing properties in the East Bay, ensuring that seniors, immigrants, and low-income tenants are able to represent themselves and their lived experience at the ballot box. With every conversation, we worked not just to educate voters, but to continue to build long-term relationships with our core bases and increase civic engagement amongst those who face the most dire of housing insecurity.
While Proposition 5 ultimately came up short statewide, Alameda County collectively voted a staggering 56% “yes,” the second highest in California. This outcome demonstrated that thanks to the work of EBHO staff and members, we all recognize how important it is to mobilize and educate our community about the need for housing solutions. Advocacy doesn’t stop after one election cycle, so I am truly excited to see this work built upon with Proposition 50 and beyond.
Organizing in Concord
Concord has been a huge focus of our suburban organizing, and this past year has brought many victories, but also challenges.
Concord Naval Weapons Station (CNWS)
In my very first month at EBHO, I was immediately catapulted into advocacy surrounding the former Naval Weapons in the historic opportunity to redevelop thousands of acres that could transform Concord’s future. After years of organizing, EBHO successfully lobbied for the passage of the term sheet between the City and the master developer, Brookfield Properties. After years of organizing, the City Council approved a term sheet with Brookfield Properties that includes a commitment to 20–25% affordable housing and permanent supportive housing, in which EBHO played a crucial part in securing this component.
Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH)
As part of Concord’s Housing Element, the City committed to rezoning 20 acres of land in high-resource neighborhoods to allow for dense, multi-family, affordable housing. While our next steps and actions are momentarily on pause while the City conducts multiple Environmental Impact Reports (EIRs) for all the selected sites, we’ve been working hard to break down these technical components of housing policy into something more digestible and simplified for our community to fully understand what they are advocating for. EBHO co-hosted and helped plan two joint Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH) education sessions with our key movement partner, Monument Impact. These gatherings brought together over 30 Concord residents and advocates to learn, strategize, and prepare for the work ahead. This organizing has been essential to building a strong foundation of community knowledge and power, so that once the City completes its reviews, residents are ready to hold them accountable to their commitments and to advancing housing equity.
Tenant Rights
After eight years of advocacy and a major win for tenant rights in April 2024, Concord’s Tenant Protections Ordinance was unexpectedly brought back for review—far earlier and more rushed than anticipated. The sudden move sparked a strong community response, with EBHO and tenants mobilizing quickly. Despite a powerful turnout and clear public support, the City Council voted to weaken the ordinance, not because it reflected the will of the people, but due to political shifts on the council. This year’s fight for stronger tenant protections revealed both the opposition we face and the resilience of tenants. Landlord and real estate groups went as far as paying people to pose as landlords, but residents organized and told their own stories with power and clarity. While the battle isn’t over, it underscored the importance of organizing tenants to build collective strength.
Leadership Academy
When I first joined EBHO, I was a student in the Leadership Academy, learning about housing history, organizing strategies, and campaign planning. Just one year later, I had the privilege of returning as a facilitator, supporting a new cohort of 11 residents as they built skills, confidence, and community.
This dual experience has been transformative. I’ve witnessed individuals join RCOP and RUN, speak out in city council chambers, and bring their skills into local campaigns. Watching residents and fellow advocates step into their power, share their stories, and envision themselves as leaders has been one of the most inspiring parts of my time at EBHO. And when our 2025 cohort surprised me and my fellow facilitators with a certificate of excellence at graduation, I was reminded of the deep bonds and community we build through this work.
And yet, the work doesn’t stop here. Even with the success of this year’s Leadership Academy, there are still so many residents and seniors living in or seeking affordable housing who have not had the opportunity to join Leadership Academy, but who deserve the tools to advocate for themselves and their communities. Expanding this program is essential to growing the next wave of housing justice leaders and ensuring that our movement continues to center those who are most impacted.
Conclusion
Suburban communities like Concord and Antioch have historically been left out of critical housing justice conversations. Over the past year, I’ve worked to change that by organizing seniors and residents of affordable housing; building relationships with nonprofit partners, developers, and service providers; and helping bring community voices into local, regional, and statewide housing campaigns. I’ve had the privilege of supporting seniors and resident leaders as they’ve found their voices, advocated for themselves and their neighbors, and stepped into leadership roles that influence local policy. I’ve helped bridge gaps between residents and decision-makers, uplifted stories that too often go unheard, and strengthened coalitions working toward bold, community-driven housing solutions.
This role has been about more than just meetings or events: it’s been about trust, relationship-building, and creating space for people to realize their own power. Through all the challenges, I’ve seen momentum grow. After a year of organizing in the suburbs, I believe deeply in this community’s journey towards housing justice and ensuring that every resident within Contra Costa and beyond can confidently have a safe, stable, and affordable place to call home in the East Bay.