Latinos United For A New America

American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA): LUNA conducted community outreach to inform, educate, and guide community members (tenants) about their rights and the resources the City of San Jose and other organizations provide to the most vulnerable communities impacted the hardest by COVID-19. LUNA engaged more than 4300 people through door-knocking, community events, community meetings, and house meetings. In 2024, LUNA concluded the campaign with recommendations to the City of San Jose, including: Unlawful detainer training, enforce fines towards slum landlords, hire more personnel, especially in the Code Enforcement Department, and more police patrols in the neighborhoods.

Chapters: We have channeled our hyper local power to the city and county levels. At every city council and board of supervisors meeting, crucial topics are discussed. LUNA and our leaders get involved when there is a policy that will cause a critical impact (either positively or negatively) on low-income immigrant tenants in Eastside San Jose. HCA, which owns Regional Medical Center, the only hospital on the Eastside of San Jose, announced the closure of Trauma, STEMI, and Stroke programs in August of 2024. With a coalition of local organizations, we had a victory beyond what we imagined and not only prevented cuts to services, but secured the county's investment and bought the hospital to incorporate the services into our county health system.

Elevate Youth campaign: In partnership with Sunrise Middle School, LUNA organized the Wooster & 26th neighborhood residents. Community leaders supporting this campaign door-knocked on over 600 doors to establish relationships with the residents and build a base in the neighborhood that is willing to organize and take civic action against potential displacement, as the city of San Jose is planning to develop ""urban villages"" in this neighborhood. In 2024, LUNA supported restarting the neighborhood association of the community. The neighborhood association consists of homeowners, school parents, school teachers, and the City of San Jose District 3 staff. LUNA will partner with the neighborhood association so they can support the tenants who are at risk of displacement. Housing Support System: In 2024, the Housing Support System continued building the capacity of 25 community members who are part of the support system. Community members learned of the resources the City of San Jose Housing Department has to offer. Additionally, members of the support system participated in advocacy events such as presenting their concerns to the mayor and council members at budget town halls and council meetings. Lastly, the community members advocated for the Tenant Preference Policy that allows the City of San Jose to set aside a portion of units in affordable housing developments for residents who meet certain criteria and who most need affordable housing. This policy actively prevents displacement. We are proud of all of our community members who participated and grateful to Somos Mayfair for leading the efforts. Immigration: The Santa Clara County Rapid Response Network unites organizations to protect our immigrant community from deportation. The network conducted outreach to 800 immigrants in Santa Clara County to inform them of their rights and connected them with local resources.