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 is sounding the alarm about escalating crises resulting from federal funding cuts, surging service demands, and heightened fear among vulnerable communities, especially immigrants. As safety net programs face reductions, nonprofits are increasingly challenged to meet growing needs while contending with misinformation, workforce shortages, and policy uncertainty. Immediate investment is urgently needed.
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.
Sobrato Center for Nonprofits - Redwood Shores
330 Twin Dolphin Drive, Suite 155
Redwood City, CA 94065
650-622-4117
info@ThriveAlliance.org
Monday - Friday 9:00am – 5:00pm
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