We are a coalition of Contra Costa County residents representing some 50 faith communities across the county. Members work together to address the root causes of poverty through advocacy and public policy change.
The Multi-faith ACTION Coalition grew out of a luncheon and meeting at Temple Isaiah led by Rabbi Roberto D. Graetz, Jasmine Tarkoff, and the Reverend Will McGarvey on January 29, 2014. Over 100 lay leaders and clergy, representing more than 50 congregations and 26,000 congregants, attended. Participants learned of the shocking statistics about poverty in our county: Over 200,000 people live in poverty, and one in six people are at risk of being hungry. Participants spoke of their efforts to address poverty. While there were many worthwhile programs that offer direct service to the poor, providing clothing, food, shelter and other essentials, there was not an ongoing, coordinated effort on advocacy. All participants shared a sense of pride in their direct service efforts but also a frustration and concern that the root causes of poverty were not being addressed, recognizing that we cannot move the needle on poverty without examining the systems, policies, and structures that are at the root of the problem.
Learn more on the Multi-Faith ACTION Coalition website.