The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday approved a $5 million investment over three years to launch a community space designed to connect immigrant individuals and families with resources, support and opportunities throughout the County.
Championed by District 4 Supervisor Ken Carlson, the community space will be called the Services and Access for Everyone Center, or SAFE Center, and it will provide services to immigrants and non-immigrants alike. The center, designed in collaboration with dozens of nonprofits and city and county agencies, will offer economic development opportunities, cultural celebrations, legal support, educational resources, healthcare access, and more.
It will be modeled after the Family Justice Center, with full operations expected within the first year and fundraising to achieve long-term sustainability.
The SAFE Center project will be launched with $1.5 million in funds redirected from the Employment and Human Services Department’s Measure X allocations, along with $3.5 million of the county’s COVID-19 FEMA Reserves.
“Contra Costa’s strength lies in its diversity,” said Supervisor Carlson, who cites recent data showing nearly 28 percent of the county’s residents are foreign born and contribute over $16 billion annually to the local economy. “The SAFE Center represents our commitment to creating a community where every resident feels seen, heard, and supported. By investing in this initiative, we are investing in the future of our county.”
In March, Richmond City Council allocated up to $1 million in city funds for immigrant services, a response to the Trump Administration’s ongoing mass deportations.
