Introducing our newest member, Coalición Fortaleza!
Oregon Just Transition Alliance unites to “build the bigger we” for a Just Transition that uplifts communities on the frontlines of climate change. Today, we’re welcoming our newest member, Coalición Fortaleza!
A culturally-empowered women of color-led organization, Coalición Fortaleza is grounded in their fierce love for Latinx and indigenous communities of the Rogue Valley. Their goal is to re-imagine new solutions for their people, Madre Tierra, and future generations.
Much of their work has focused on Just Recovery efforts following the 2020 Almeda Fires, which devastated Latinx communities in the Rogue Valley. They joined OJTA to deepen their understanding of the Just Transition framework and its role in fostering a regenerative economy.
“We were called into this work because of a climate crisis that impacted our families and community. Now we want to ensure our strategy is rooted in real solutions that bring liberation, so our Latinx communities receive the support they need.”
Their work
Coalición Fortaleza engaging with community members
Coalición Fortaleza has already made a significant impact towards creating resilient, regenerative economies. Take a look at some of their work:
Coalición Fortaleza led one of the first hyper-local housing studies focused specifically on Latino/x migrant and Indigenous communities in Jackson County affected by the 2020 wildfire.
By combining survey data with storytelling, they captured the lived experiences of these communities, ensuring that their voices are heard and their stories shape future housing policies and initiatives.
Summit Gardens, now named Camino Colibrí by the community.
Camino Colibrí is a collaboration with Jackson County partners to provide 34 units of essential housing for agricultural workers who were displaced by the 2020 Alameda Fire. Of these units, 41% are reserved for families earning below 50% of the area median income (AMI), while the rest are for families earning below 60% AMI.
The project supports the rebuilding of wildfire-affected communities, offering farmworker families safe and supportive housing near employment opportunities and community amenities like schools and grocery stores. Coalición Fortaleza’s role is to engage the community, provide service referrals and connections, and coordinate onsite services.
Coalición Fortaleza staff members at Talent Mobile Estates.
The 2020 Almeda fires were responsible for the destruction of 18 mobile homes in the Rogue Valley. During a meeting, impacted Latinx communities asked, “What if we bought our neighborhood back?”
After over a year of negotiating the sale of the destroyed property from a private owner, Talent Mobile Estates is now on its way to being the first resident-owned community in Jackson County.
Thanks to the commitment of community elders and the support of partners and allies like CASA of Oregon, the purchase was completed in June 2022 and the rebuilding is still underway.
Talent Mobile Estates is just the first of many community-dreamed permanent affordable housing solutions to come.
Our relationship
Talent Mobile Estates community members looking at a model rebuilding of their property.
OJTA’s connection with Coalición Fortaleza runs deep. Cofounder and executive director Erica Ledesma and OJTA Executive Director Joel Iboa share college organizing ties. Upon migrating to this country from Mexico, Joel’s father settled in the heart of the Rogue Valley, where his extended family has remained for generations.
Tragically, some of Iboa’s relatives lost their homes in the 2020 Almeda wildfires. Thanks in part to Coalición Fortaleza’s community organizing, Latinx communities have more equitable, affordable housing options that will protect them against future climate disasters.
Coalición Fortaleza's work is a testament to the power of community-led solutions for climate, economic, and social justice. From affordable housing projects to economic empowerment programs, they are dedicated to building a resilient, inclusive future for all. We are honored to have them as part of our climate justice alliance and look forward to collaborating on transformative solutions that uplift our communities and protect the earth.
“Coalición Fortaleza has done monumental work Building the New in rural Oregon, and are excited to have them on board and continue deeping our ties with rural organizations across Oregon.”
Join us in welcoming Coalición Fortaleza by following them on Instagram and Facebook.
Interested in becoming the next member of our alliance? Reach out to Alliance Manager Alexander Vasquez-Ibarra to find out how.
