Economic Justice
Overview
In Marin County, even in families with one or more working adults, 37% of households do not earn enough to make ends meet — well over one-third of our population can’t get by without public or private assistance. For people of color, that figure is almost double, with 55% unable to cover their basic expenses. In fact, 9.6% of households in Marin earn less than $25,000 a year. That’s $5000 less than the national poverty level for a family of four of $30,000.
At Community Action Marin, we promote prosperity and hope through a powerful set of financial empowerment and workforce development programs. We also put money back in people’s pockets through our free income tax preparation services. No matter what your financial situation, come make a step-by-step plan to create a household budget, rebuild your credit score, get help with your taxes, manage debt, or get trained for a new career.
Programs
Our Economic Justice programs cover a broad spectrum designed to give you the tools and guidance you need to improve your financial future. The agency’s Whole Family Approach works to ensure that needs are met and outcomes at the individual, agency, and community levels are achieved to strengthen well-being.
Financial Well-being
Our financial well-being programs help people transform and manage their overall finances, so they can rise beyond subsistence-living and thrive, working towards a goal of financial prosperity.
We accomplish our work through tax assistance and one-on-one coaching. We give people an opportunity to take advantage of our expert staff, abundant tools, and network of partners.
Workforce & Small Business Development
Our program provides avenues for career exploration and strengthens participation in job training, encourages the creation of options for job seekers, and builds stronger readiness pathways for people who need assistance to become eligible for career training.
Our programs currently include Peer Support Specialist Training, an Associate Teacher Apprenticeship, and training and support of those in the Family Childcare Network.
Public Benefits & Utilities Assistance
At Community Action Marin, our team of Success Coaches helps individuals & families realize success on their own terms, ensuring they can safely access and understand eligibility requirements for community and government programs and services.
Our team of staff and skilled volunteers brings special expertise in connecting people to public benefits, utility payments, and more.
Emergency Assistance
A one-time emergency can tip the scale for people who are already struggling into crisis. We are committed to providing assistance when the unexpected happens.
Depending on funding and need, it may be possible to provide support with housing payments, medical equipment, or other essential needs, excluding medical and dental bills.
Impact
The number of SparkPoint participants. With over 190 whose savings, credit, or debt improved by at least 30%
The amount refunded for the 281 returns processed in our Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program during the 2023 tax season
The number of participants in the food services apprenticeship program who obtained an industry recognized certificate, with 67% expanding their small business
Want to Learn More?
Click on the email button below to visit our orientation page and watch a video in English or Spanish.
Economic Opportunity Advocacy
All work deserves respect and a fair wage. Almost one-third of Marin residents live paycheck to paycheck, just to make ends meet and cover basic needs. For people of color, that figure exceeds 55%. While Marin’s high cost of living creates a financial challenge for many local residents, it is those of lowest income who face the largest barriers to economic stability and opportunity.