Little Village Environmental Justice Org

La Villita Park Community Farm had its inaugural growing season in 2022 and harvested over 2,000 pounds of cultural crops. This produce was then directly distributed to families or mutual-aid programs in Chicago's west and south neighborhoods. In 2024, the Water Justice team worked in coalition to draft lead Service Line Replacement language for a city ordinance to fast-track the city's current 50-year timeline. Additionally, the team hosted a Water Justice Resource Fair with partners at the Center for Neighborhood Technology and presented data about water issues in the Little Village community including lead in water, flooding data and information on Green Water infrastructure. LVEJO hosted community air monitoring planning and installations in the South Lawndale community to understand the particulate matter levels and health impacts. This summer, LVEJO hosted nine youths through the SOL program. Youth are practicing their organizing skills such as relationship building, developing a critical eye, analysis of social systems, and movement building. LVEJO continues to educate government officials and implementers about the needs of low-income and working-class immigrant families participating in clean energy and energy efficiency programs. LVEJO continued its Solar for All Workforce Program, otherwise known as El Clima. The program features distinct workforce recruitment, training, and outreach initiatives that ensure LVEJO is at the forefront of addressing the climate crisis.