What was originally a Belong Circle last year has taken shape as a Local Organizing Committee (LOC), a group of power-building leaders that create systemic change. LOCs are the basis of FIAEB work. Group meetings have also included residents of Rydin Road and Richmond City Council Members Gayle McLaughlin and Eduardo Martinez.
Their efforts are resulting in profound change for Rydin Road. Richmond City Council has authorized a contract of $75,000 that incentivizes residents to keep their areas clean and provides resources such as dumpsters and trash removal to do so. To date $12,800 has been given to residents and 19,000 pounds of garbage have been removed.
Another $50,000 is to be evenly distributed among residents.
A key leader in these efforts is Lea Murray, executive director of Collaborising, who is engaged in many projects in Richmond and beyond — from encampment cleanups to community gardens to civic meetings — to fulfill the organization’s mission: “Working together to eradicate racism and homelessness we rise to create a more just and harmonious society.” She was a part of the Belong Circle that transformed into an LOC that would assist her in her mission.
Faith in Action East Bay board member Florence Davis has also served as a “Rydin Road Ambassador” assisting residents with purging and cleaning.
One of Rydin Road’s powerful advocates is also a resident. Jessi Taran has lived at Rydin Road for nearly two years and has evolved into a spokesperson and caregiver — taking care of neighbors as well as overseeing donations of food and medical supplies. She has a master’s degree in philosophy and is a trained martial artist and massage therapist. She frequently volunteers her skills in diplomacy and physical wellbeing.
“I want people to understand that there are broken people here. They weren’t born that way,” Jessie explained. “People here have been hurt more badly than normal people can even imagine. There is extraordinary trauma.”
Jessi believes her community needs to be shown what responsible behavior looks like and then be rewarded for it, not hated for the consequences of that trauma. She also believes it is irresponsible for the society at large to blame people on the lowest rung, who do not have the power or resources to effect change.
Overall, a plan is set to “sunset” Rydin Road by October 1, 2022. The LOC is fighting for another $400,000 from Richmond City Council that will help residents into permanent housing situations. “Everybody’s needs and stories are different,” explains Payton Silket, Belong Campaign manager and community organizer. “They might need a plane ticket to live with family, parts for broken trailer…residents need to be in control of ending their own homelessness. It’s them saying, “this is what I need to not be homeless.”
Calls to Action:
Contact Lea Murray at collaborising@gmail.com to become a volunteer helping residents at Rydin Road.
Visit the Collaborising website.
Learn more about Belong Circles and creating transformational community.