North Richmond Farm Community Resiliency Center
Project Description
Urban Tilth will develop and build a community resiliency center at the North Richmond Farm, which is walking distance from Verde Elementary, to serve the North Richmond Community in the event of an emergency or disaster, such as refinery accidents and when wildfire smoke reaches dangerous levels, and year-round to build community resilience. In times of emergency, the space is prepared to house community members with cots, first aid equipment, portable showers, and additional restroom facilities.
This holistic approach empowers the community by addressing the root causes of environmental vulnerability, improving public health, and creating economic opportunities
Job Training: There will be workforce training for populations with barriers to entry such as youth, houseless residents, and formerly incarcerated individuals.
Health and Wellness Activities and Classes: These weekly activities for our seniors and families will promote overall wellness by promoting cooking, nutrition, exercise classes, and social interaction.
Proposed by: Urban Tilth
Focus Area: Climate Resiliency, Air Pollution
Update (09/11/2026)
Funding:
We are very close to secure most of the funds needed to build the CRC building! This week we were informed that our BAAQMD Bay Repair grant proposal was recommended for funding! If funded this will insure we can build the CRC in 2027- 2028! These funds would support a host of other North Richmond projects include the Residents Leaders program.
We need 2 more votes to secure this transformative funding:
– VOTE #1: 9/9 – Air District’s Community Equity, Health, and Justice (CEHJ) Committee
– VOTE #2: 10/7 – Air District’s Board of Directors Meeting
Program Design Update:
During the Summer of 2026, our team has been working to develop a set of emergency preparedness and response and community resiliency programs to offer along with the healthy food access and workforce development programs the farm already offers. These new programs will be anchored at the future CRC building.
We have also been reaching out to form partnerships with respected local organizations like Contra Costa County Office of Sustainability, Lifelong Medical, the Latina Center and others so that we have a team with the expertise necessary to meet these community needs.
We are excited to preview some of the programs that we are planning to offer at the Community Resiliency Center!
1. Chronic illness clinics (asthma, diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease) with Lifelong Medical
2. Quarterly free first aid and CPR certifications
3. Annual Resiliency Fair where we will make available FREE household-size emergency kits for North Richmond residents
4. Annual CERT training for North Richmond residents
5. Annual emergency drills so the community can practice and be ready to respond to different emergencies such as Earthquakes, wildfires, industrial accidents and pandemics
6. Emergency planning and response to accommodate pets during a disaster
Keep checking back here as we continue to develop the CRC!
Construction / Implementation: TBD
Timeline: TBD
Who to contact if you want to get involved: TBD