Community Safety Resources
Thrive is committed to highlighting the incredible organizing power of our local nonprofit and partner communities always and especially during this time. We have created this Community Safety Resources Webpage to support this effort. By working collectively and shining a light on our sector's collaborative, caring power, we will lighten each others' loads as we renew ways to safeguard our diverse communities.
Executive Summary: Urgent Action Needed to Support Vulnerable Communities
Thrive’s Policy & Advocacy Steering Committee are raising alarms about the compounding crises caused by federal funding cuts, increased service demand, and growing fear among vulnerable communities, particularly immigrants. As safety net programs face reductions, nonprofits are struggling to meet rising needs while navigating misinformation, workforce shortages, and policy uncertainty. Immediate investment.
Nonprofit Advocacy
Explore the resources below to see how other organizations are championing advocacy for the nonprofit sector.
New Federal Memorandum Affecting Nonprofits
On September 25, President Trump issued a memorandum directing federal agencies to investigate nonprofits, activists, and their funders. This action raises serious concerns for our sector and the vital role nonprofits play in civic life.
The ACLU, along with several partner organizations such as the Center for American Progress and Public Citizen, is mobilizing in response to a recent presidential memorandum that authorizes investigations into non-profits, activists, and their donors. This memorandum raises significant concerns about the potential implications for free speech and the rights of organizations supporting social causes. In light of this, the coalition encourages organizations to join in solidarity by signing a letter to express collective opposition to these actions. Additionally, for those involved in or attending related events, the ACLU is committed to inclusivity and accessibility, offering accommodations such as ASL interpretation and inviting individuals to reach out for further support. As the situation evolves, these organizations emphasize the importance of strategic responses to protect civil rights and maintain transparency in civic engagement.
Local Behavioral Health Crisis Support Expands with Mobile Response Team
San Mateo County has expanded its behavioral health crisis support by introducing a 24/7 mobile response team. Residents can call the San Mateo County Crisis Line at 650-579-0350 for in-person assistance from trained mental health clinicians who can help individuals experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis. The team arrives in discreet vehicles to stabilize situations and may arrange further care if needed. Additionally, follow-up support is provided within 24 hours to connect individuals with treatment options and develop safety plans to prevent future crises.
To learn more click here.
CalNonprofits Nonprofit Resource Hub
CalNonprofits has launched a resource hub to help nonprofits navigate financial, legal, and advocacy challenges under the current administration. It includes webinars, planning tools, and compliance guidance. Explore the hub here.
National Council of Nonprofits Call to Action
As the 119th Congress considers important tax and spending decisions, charitable nonprofits are facing critical implications for their work in 2025. The policies legislated could significantly affect how local organizations operate and their capacity to enhance lives, build stronger communities, and promote the public good. To address this, the National Council of Nonprofits has initiated a letter aimed at unifying the nonprofit sector in conveying key priorities to lawmakers in Washington. By signing on to the Nonprofit Community Letter, organizations can collectively emphasize the essential contributions charitable organizations make to their communities and ensure that elected officials understand their importance in supporting constituents’ needs. To sign the Nonprofit Community Letter click here.
Legal Essentials for Nonprofits Webinar
The Legal Essentials for Nonprofits webinar, titled "Navigating Uncertainty and Preparing for What’s Next," was presented in partnership with Paladin. This resource aims to help nonprofits effectively navigate legal challenges and prepare for future uncertainties.
You can access the recording of the webinar here and download the materials shared during the session here.
Beacon: Supports organizations facing serious multiple simultaneous attacks due to their progressive mission work. Equipped to handle complex crises across various supports.
Webform: Effects of Executive Actions on Nonprofits – Please complete if your organization is continuing to experience issues with federal funding
Contact your members of Congress – a sample script is included in the slides linked above.
Comprehensive Immigrant Resources and Legal Support in San Mateo County
The County of San Mateo Office of Community Affairs is addressing community concerns about safety and anxiety related to public charge and mass deportations by providing updated resources on their revamped website. They will continue to share information via social media and keep partners informed about available County resources.
Rapid Response Hotline: If immigration comes to your home, work, or neighborhood, or if there are ICE raids nearby, call the San Mateo County Rapid Response Hotline at 203-666-4472 (203-NO-MIGRA). Learn more and get printable materials at this link.
Immigrants' Gateway to Resources Booklet. The booklet is available in English, Spanish, and Chinese.
Know Your Rights: A California Train-the-Trainer Toolkit: this resource from the Immigrant Legal Resource Center is aimed at providing community organizations and partners with the tools to provide valuable know your rights (KYR) information. This toolkit will teach you how to do a KYR presentation, including everything from the logistics of organizing an event to the substantive topics you should cover.
Everyone Belongs Here: this is a new resource to help California health care providers, settings, and systems to provide care that is welcoming, inclusive, and safe for immigrants and refugees. Learn more and access the toolkit here.
Know Your Rights: Access printable red cards, preparedness materials, and more on this resource page from SMC Immigrant Services.
Family Preparedness Plan (English/Spanish): This toolkit from ILRC assists families in preparing for immigration-related emergencies, including childcare options and asserting constitutional rights. Download a copy in English or Spanish on this page.
ILRC FAQ on New Federal Registration Rule explains who must register under the new April 2025 policy, potential risks, and why legal advice is critical.
ReadyToStay.org provides a national hub offering immigrants and advocates up-to-date information on immigration policies and a directory of trusted legal aid providers.
Faith in Action Bay Area is a network of congregations and community leaders dedicated to upholding the dignity of all people. They foster shared leadership, encourage civic engagement, and emphasize their faith values to challenge power and transform systems. Be sure to explore the available immigration resources.
We Have Rights: these multilingual videos show how community members can respond in a variety of scenarios involving immigration enforcement officials.
Find Legal Assistance | County of San Mateo, CA - Free and low cost immigration service providers, US Customs and Immigration Services (USCIS) resources, housing legal services, employment legal services, DACA resources and more.
Preparation and Know Your Rights and Toolkits - Prepared from the Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC). More info and languages also found on the OCA website, here.
Keep your Benefits - Get the facts about public charge & immigration, including a guide to see if public benefits could affect different immigration options.
Immigrant Services Resources and Information - Includes community and mental health resources, translation & interpretation services and information about the San Mateo County Rapid Response Hotline at 203-666-4472 (203-NO-MIGRA).
Immigrant Services Spotlight Series - On Know Your Rights with ILRC and Faith in Action. These are held live on County of San Mateo's Facebook page.
LIBRE — The Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County - Linking Immigrants to Benefits, Resources & Education (LIBRE) LIBRE provides legal advice and representation related to: Medi-Cal, CalFresh (food stamps), CalWORKs, Social Security/SSI/CAPI, U Visa (immigration relief for crime survivors), VAWA (Violence Against Women Act), SIJS (immigration relief for minor survivors of parental abuse, neglect, or abandonment) and certain other immigration cases.
ImmigrationLawHelp.org is a searchable directory of over 1,000 nonprofit immigration legal service providers nationwide, searchable by location, detention facility, and language
Check out this case study, "Bringing Sergio Home," from Participatory Defense, which discusses how they helped secure one man's release from immigration detention.
Immigration Law and Policy Updates for California Educators
Join attorneys from Immigrant Legal Defense to learn about recent immigration actions and policy changes, what is being done to protect students state- and nation-wide, and field questions from educators re: how they can be of support. This session will keep you informed and empowered with accurate, up-to-date information to navigate the evolving immigration landscape while staying within the bounds of your role, training and capacities. Please register using the links below.
Oct 28, 3:30p.m.
Dec 9, 3:30 p.m.
Immigrants Rising: Wellness Support Groups for Undocumented Students in Postsecondary Education
Wellness Support Groups are designed to help undocumented students in postsecondary education tend to their wellbeing, find a support network, and feel a sense of belonging while navigating their postsecondary education journey. Each group is led by trained mental health providers or registered clinicians and meets weekly for 6 weeks in a closed virtual space.
To learn more click here.
Immigration Institute of the Bay Area (IIBA) – Redwood City
IIBA has been a trusted legal resource for immigrants for over a century. Their Redwood City office is a welcoming hub for individuals and families looking to become U.S. citizens, secure legal status, or understand their rights. With multilingual services and a focus on community education, IIBA ensures that immigration support is accessible and empowering.
Key Resources:
Citizenship Classes (English + Civics): Free ESL-based classes to prepare for the naturalization exam.
Monthly Naturalization Workshops (“Pláticas”): Covers topics like green card renewal and public charge.
Free Legal Consultations: With DOJ-accredited legal representatives.
Languages Offered: English, Spanish, Tagalog, and more.
Essential Resources from the Immigration Advocates Network
The Immigration Advocates Network has been instrumental in providing essential resources in response to the unprecedented wave of attacks against immigrants over the past 100 days. Through initiatives such as Ready to Stay, Immigration Law Help, and Citizenshipworks, the Network has successfully assisted over 250,000 individuals in obtaining vital legal information and support, empowering many to navigate legal challenges and apply for U.S. citizenship.
Access ACLU's May Day Know Your Rights Training Recordings
If you missed the ACLU’s May Day Know Your Rights Training, you can check out the English recording here. The Spanish recording is also available here.
Northern California Grantmakers: Empowering Communities: The Tax Equity Series 2025
The Tax Equity Series will run from March 7 to October 31, 2025, featuring 75-minute sessions focused on key budget and tax issues affecting California families, particularly immigrant communities. Topics will include the impact of tax systems on children, updates on federal and state budgets, immigration and economic inclusion, and ways to simplify tax systems. The series aims to foster collaboration among California funders and enhance economic security for underrepresented areas. To learn more click here.
Financial Resources for nonprofits
Free tools and templates from the Wallace Foundation to improve budgeting, cash flow, and equity-aligned financial practices.
A collaborative platform from Nonprofit Quarterly, Propel Nonprofits, and BDO offering peer-led webinars, resources, and forums.
A recorded session with CalNonprofits, BDO, and the Nonprofit Finance Fund on scenario planning, assessing risk, and communicating with funders.
A comprehensive resource from the Nonprofit Finance Fund offering tools and templates to assess financial health, plan budgets, and communicate financial information effectively.
To stay updated with Community Safety Resources, you can sign up for our Thrive Weekly newsletter, which provides weekly updates. If you have any resources you would like us to include on this page, please reach out to brenda@thrivealliance.org.
