HOUSING JUSTICE
Call Marin Home Convenes to Advance Housing Equity
Call Marin Home, a new housing coalition uniting cross-sector organizations around solutions to Marin’s housing crisis, convened last month. Community Action Marin’s CEO, Chandra Alexandre, and Chief Strategy Officer, Gina Guillemette, are strategizing with coalition partners to ensure that everyone who wants to live, work, and play in our beautiful county has the opportunity to do so.
“Access to housing is a central issue across our community and one that diverse leaders understand,” shares Guillemette. “From schools to employers to individual families, Marin’s housing crisis impacts all of us. I’m excited by the power and possibility of Call Marin Home and the impact we will have together.”
By building new housing, preserving existing affordable housing, and protecting the rights of tenants, we are laying an essential foundation for Marin’s future vitality.
Pictured: Gina Guillemette (Chief Strategy Officer), Chandra Alexandre (Chief Executive Officer), Cheryl Paddack (North Marin Community Services)
• • • • • • • • • •
IN THE NEWS
Strengthening Anti-Poverty Movement Building Through Collective Impact
“What began five years ago as a collective response to the disproportionate impacts of COVID-19 in the Canal neighborhood has grown into stronger collaboration, trust and a shared understanding of the inextricable link between educational outcomes and economic stability across generations,” said Chandra Alexandre, Community Action Marin’s CEO and Marin Promise Partnership leader. Community Action Marin is proud to serve on the Marin Promise Partnership Leadership Team.
Marin Promise Partnership brings together nearly 100 organizations committed to advancing equitable education across Marin. Last month, Marin Promise Partnership received a $3 million national grant to strengthen county-wide collaboration across underserved communities, supporting brighter educational pathways from early learning through career readiness.
Across the county, Community Action Marin will continue to help mobilize resources and strengthen levers for change on behalf of low-income communities.
• • • • • • • • • •
ECONOMIC JUSTICE
$241K and Counting Returned Through Free Tax Preparation Program
In just the first three weeks of free tax preparation for households of low-income, our Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) team has already served 88 families—returning $241,310 in tax refunds back into our community.
Through April 10, Community Action Marin is offering FREE tax return preparation for qualified Marin County residents. If your household earns $69,000 or less and you have a Social Security or ITIN, our trained volunteers can prepare your California and federal taxes at no cost.
LEARN MORE• • • • • • • • • •
FOOD AND CLIMATE JUSTICE
Planting Seeds of Strength
Despite recent storm damage to the greenhouse at our Old Gallinas Production Farm in San Rafael, the garden is still standing strong. Volunteers have already planted more than 100 lettuce starts and seeded the next round of scallions, kohlrabi, leeks, broccolini, red cabbage, and kale. With student plantings and seasonal starts underway, momentum is building for a vibrant growing season ahead.
• • • • • • • • • •
UPCOMING EVENTS
Step Up Marin! is May 29, 2026 – Tickets on Sale This Month
Join us for Community Action Marin’s 5th annual signature event, Step Up Marin! on Friday, May 29, 2026. Mark your calendars!
This milestone evening will honor six decades of leadership, service, and community-driven change in Marin County.
Stay tuned! Our keynote speaker, an inspiring New York Times bestselling author and local Marin advocate, will be announced soon!
Since 1966, our shared vision of dignity and equity for all has guided our work to meet the evolving needs of the community. Together, we will celebrate the remarkable achievements and courage of those we serve and will bring together a connected community.
Join us! Take action as part of our dedicated anti-poverty movement building efforts and help to expand access and opportunities for everyone.
LEARN MORE
• • • • • • • • • •
STAFF SPOTLIGHT
Welcome Director of Development, Jessica Jordan!
We’re excited to welcome Jessica Jordan as Community Action Marin’s new Director of Development. A seasoned advancement leader with more than two decades of experience, Jessica has held senior roles in higher education advancement, where she built high-performing teams, deepened donor engagement, and helped organizations achieve ambitious growth goals.
“I am thrilled to join Community Action Marin’s Development team!” shares Jessica. “I am passionate about advancing equity and expanding opportunity for Marin residents, and I’m eager to help grow our impact and strengthen the community we serve.”
At CAM, she is focused on elevating the organization’s philanthropic reach, investing in long-term relationships, and securing the resources necessary to accelerate community impact. She holds degrees from the University of California, Santa Cruz and the University of San Francisco.
Please join us in warmly welcoming Jessica to Community Action Marin.
Get to know our Team at camarin.org/meet-the-teams
• • • • • • • • • •
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL
Single Audit Services
Community Action Marin is issuing a Request for Proposal (RFP) to engage a qualified firm to conduct our financial and compliance audit and prepare tax returns for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, along with any additional services that would benefit our organization. The RFP also includes options to renew services for up to four additional years. Proposals must be submitted no later than 4:30pm on March 31, 2026.
LEARN MORE
• • • • • • • • • •
Thank You for Standing with Us
Every success you’ve read about this month is made possible through your belief in our mission. Whether you volunteer, partner, donate, or spread the word—you are part of an anti-poverty movement building equity, opportunity, and thriving futures in Marin.