In the fall of 2017, PACT walked neighborhoods and 80% of nearly 1,500 voters we spoke to support expanded police accountability and transparency. In addition over 250 community members participated in dialogues between law enforcement and other community members.      As a result of our work, SJPD has implemented implicit bias and procedural justice training, a no chokehold policy. And Body Worn Cameras for all officers. PACT Leaders participated in the County Blue Ribbon Task Force on jail reform and organized for the establishment of independent oversight of the Sheriff’s Office, both in the jails and patrols.  Through organizing with our PICO California network and allies across the state, we secured SB1421, a law that requires all law enforcement agencies throughout California to allow public access to records concerning misconduct. These community dialogues have been our pathway into partnership with public officials, local organizations, and ordinary powerful people just like you all.  We will continue building true partnerships of honesty and accountability with our local elected officials and law enforcement leaders, and the community to make this happen. Our mantra is: One people, One Fight. Un Pueblo, Una Lucha – which means we stand together to protect our community. Most recently our work has reached Sunnyvale, after the shooting of a young man of color in the midst of a mental health crisis. Sunnyvale community members have come together to call for further de-escalation training of law enforcement and support services for individuals experiencing mental health crises. PAST NewsHousing – 2023 Sept 8, 2023 https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/making-it-in-the-bay/protections-against-evictions-san-jose/3313466 July 23, 2023 https://www.ktvu.com/news/state-leaders-meet-with-religious-groups-to-address-santa-clara-county-housing-crisis

In collaboration with fellow housing advocates we won victories including tenants rights: “Ellis Act”, “Just Cause Eviction.” PACT called voters and knocked doors in support of Prop 10 to extend rent control; this would have repealed the Costa Hawkins Act. In coalition with community partners in the SVRising Coalition helped keep the pressure on Google to make sure the Downtown West project in San Jose addressed concerns raised by community members – the lack of affordable housing, displacement. PACT leaders spoke out at City Council meetings, turned out at rallies and community meetings. Now, 1000 units of affordable housing will come out of this project and a community benefits fund of over $150 million will be created to address issues of displacement, housing instability and economic injustice. Along with local leaders PACT called  for closing of Hillview Airport and reinvesting land towards housing.  During COVID we successfully pushed San Jose City Council to implement an Eviction Moratorium. Most recently with our PICO federations, we were successful in passing SB567 Tenant Protections and SB 4 to allow housing built on faith lands.

Why are faith communities the best to respond to this crisis? Because  congregations and  schools have already stepped up during COVID, providing food pantries, rent relief, and in some of our congregations, even temporary housing. Many of our faith communities continue these programs today as people are still transitioning out of COVID and facing new crises in housing.All of us, coming from our different faiths, know that we are mutually responsible for each other’s well being. Our faith traditions tell us that everyone deserves to live with dignity and a sense of safety and belonging. It’s up to us to create a society where housing is sacred for all. Based on the research we have done, we leaders with PACT have determined that the time is now to pass statewide and local initiatives that will: