Montbello Organizing Committee

Moc's comprehensive freshlo community development program is designed to create places in the community that promote cultural heritage through arts education, address community need for affordable housing and a grocery store, improves local business viability and public safety, and brings diverse people together. Moc is leading a community driven development project that includes a six-story residential and mixed-use building that includes a mental health center and a business incubator. Phase 2 of the project includes a non-profit grocery store, retail spaces for local businesses and an arts education facility. Upon completion, more than 200 residents will have access to affordable 1,2,3-bedroom apartments. The project has created more than 80 new jobs.

Strengthening neighborhoods involves multiple partners utilizing community organizing, surveying, and advocacy to impact solutions to community-identified issues. Committees comprised of community members plan for, advocate for, and implement actions that bring increased resources to this economically stressed, bipoc neighborhood. Projects undertaken in 2022 include community-wide events, housing door-to-door surveying, electric mobility projects including an electric bicycle library, and an electric van for partner organizations to transport residents to activities such as doctor's appointments, school fieldtrips, and distribution of food resources for shut ins.

Moc's building community wealth initiative is aimed at the social determinants of equity and assisting residents in creating wealth that supports communities. From the inside out. The goal is to develop an economic system within montbello that provides employment and business ownership opportunities for residents along with building generational wealth by creating home ownership opportunities. In 2022, 39 entrepreneurs (all people of color) were trained in successful business ownership and 78 local businesses received resource navigation/services.

Montbello sustainable food access is a collaborative impact project among local schools, churches, and nonprofit organizations working together to reduce food insecurity. Youth and parents are paid to manage each of the school farms. More than 1 million pounds of food is distributed through the network of no cost groceries or sold for low-cost at moc's seasonal farmer's market. This network provides charitable food resources for 700 - 900 people each day, 5 days per week. Moc also works with 11 nonprofits and schools to implement healthy food for denver kids.