Instead of focusing primarily on survival services, the agency is moving toward education, community organization and broader long-range support, such as youth activities and preparation for a disaster. Still, living in one of the most densly populated neighborhoods of Marin, is not easy. The Canal harbors about 10,000 people in a 2-square mile area. Rents in the Canal are only slightly lower. Canal residents work hard and many depend on the help of Canal Community Alliance to become self sufficient.
Immigrants face discrimination daily in stores, at the bank and walking down the street.
Often they are exploited by employers who don't pay them. With the help of CCA they can try to overcome these prejudices. The Canal has grown into a bustling neighborhood of hard working families. Almost 1,000 children live in the area. There's still a lot of work to do.