Increasing Food Security & Physical Activity
- HAB45’s 4P’s Initiative (Pledge the Practice, Pass the Policy)supported family childcare providers and non-profits across Contra Costa County as they made changes to improve nutritious food and physical activity opportunities. This year, 7 new wellness policies with mini-grant funds will benefit over 200 children under the age of 5.
- HAB45 and CocoKids worked together to deliver virtual nutrition and physical activity trainings for 15 early childhood education sites serving 1,000 children. The sites also received technical assistance for policy, systems, and environmental changes for a lasting impact.
- HAB45 and Rising Juntos continued to work with the City of Richmond and monitor planned improvements at Boorman Park in Richmond. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2025, and we can’t wait to see Richmond families’ dream park design come to life!
Prioritizing Housing Security
- Throughout 2024, HAB45 participated in successful advocacy efforts for local tenant protection policies in Concord and Antioch by educating policymakers about the importance of housing security for the health and development of young children. These policies will prevent homelessness and keep families housed.
- Now that Concord and Antioch both have strong rent stabilization, just cause for eviction, and anti-harassment policies HAB45 partners play a key role in raising awareness among families with young children. We reached over a dozen organizations serving thousands of families with posters, flyers, and training sessions with information and resources for accessing the new protections.
Deepening Partnerships for Equitable Communities
- In May, HAB45 hosted a “safety net check-up,” where 30 Leadership Council members learned about important changes in health care access and early childhood services, as well as the latest updates on the county’s Measure X process. Our partners are eager to advocate for more resources to support food security, economic security, early education, and health for children in our community.
- At November’s Leadership Council convening, 25 members learned about items on the ballot that will impact children’s health, and how to promote voting at their organizations.
- HAB45 is committed to improving birth outcomes for BIPOC children and families in Contra Costa. This year, we co-sponsored a regional convening for perinatal health stakeholders. We also added a seat to our Executive Committee for the county’s Family, Child, and Maternal Health program so that we can engage more deeply in perinatal equity work.
- Throughout 2024, HAB45 represented the needs of young children in regional collaboratives focused on food security, breastfeeding, air quality, park equity, climate justice, economic security, oral health, early childhood education, perinatal equity, and strengthening the local safety net. We also followed the county’s General Plan, Climate Action Plan, and Measure X Community Advisory Board processes to ensure the needs of young children and their families are represented.