Building Bridges: Contra Costa County Invests $5 Million in SAFE Center to Support Immigrant Families

Building Bridges: Contra Costa County Invests $5 Million in SAFE Center to Support Immigrant Families

Published: April 30, 2025

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In a move signaling both compassion and strategy, the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors has unanimously approved a $5 million investment over the next three years to establish the SAFE Center—Services and Access for Everyone—a new resource hub serving immigrant and non-immigrant communities across the county.

Championed by District 4 Supervisor Ken Carlson, the SAFE Center aims to provide a centralized space for legal support, healthcare access, job development, education, and cultural celebration. The project is being developed in partnership with local nonprofits and public agencies, modeled after the successful Family Justice Center framework.

“This is about recognizing the strength in our diversity,” said Supervisor Carlson. “Nearly 28 percent of Contra Costa residents are foreign-born, contributing more than $16 billion to our economy. The SAFE Center is a long-term investment in the well-being and success of our entire community.”

The project will begin with $1.5 million in redirected funds from the county’s Measure X allocations, combined with $3.5 million from federal COVID-19 FEMA reserves. Full-scale operations are expected to launch within the first year, with ongoing fundraising efforts planned to ensure long-term sustainability.

Beyond resources, the SAFE Center is also a symbolic response to national immigration challenges. Just last month, the Richmond City Council allocated up to $1 million toward immigrant support services, citing federal mass deportation efforts as a pressing concern. The timing of Contra Costa’s investment reflects a broader movement to create sanctuary infrastructure that is both practical and protective.

By offering legal services, job training, and cultural programming under one roof, the SAFE Center represents a shift toward inclusive community design. In an era of uncertainty for many immigrant families, Contra Costa is taking a stand—not just with words, but with budgeted action.

Tags: Contra Costa, immigration, SAFE Center, Ken Carlson, Measure X, FEMA, community resources, Richmond, sanctuary, economic development