ISSUES

At ECCO, our members select issues by deeply listening to the concerns of our communities, especially those most affected by injustice. Through one-on-one conversations, congregational meetings, and regional gatherings, we identify shared struggles and prioritize campaigns that build power and create meaningful change.

Our current organizing work has been focused on housing justice, immigration and criminal justice reform

HOUSING

ECCO continues its fight against racial injustice, addressing white supremacy's impact on people of color through campaigns on affordable housing, police reform, and immigration, aiming to confront segregation, violence, and inequity.
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CRIMINAL JUSTICE

ECCO is advancing affordable housing policy in Essex County through local teams, focusing on racial justice, civil engagement, public accountability, and community healing while creating more housing in local towns

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We denounce the racist immigration system exploiting marginalized groups, causing violence and dehumanization. Inspired by Hebrew prophets, we act boldly and courageously to resist injustice against Muslims, Jews, Black people, and immigrants.
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IMMIGRATION

Current Campaigns

Rent Stabilization

In February 2025, ECCO leaders came together to take bold action on housing justice. After several months of deep listening in our communities, it was clear that skyrocketing rents have led to massive amounts of displacement of working class communities. To combat this, we need rent stabilization!

Right now, Massachusetts law bans rent stabilization, leaving families vulnerable to skyrocketing rents that force them out of their homes and communities. We’re fighting to change that. ECCO is working to lift this unjust ban so that cities and towns can take control—protecting residents from displacement and ensuring housing remains affordable for all.

The housing crisis is pushing families out, tearing apart neighborhoods, and deepening racial inequality. But we have the power to stop it. Together, we can create a future where everyone has a stable home.

Join us in the fight for rent stabilization. Contact colette@eccoaction.org for more information

Immigration

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. 

Our Victories

    • Secured $25M+ in ARPA funds for affordable housing in Lynn, Salem, and Gloucester.

    • Won affordable housing zoning ordinances in Lynn & Rockport.

    • Helped pass key policies through grassroots organizing:

      • Fair Share Amendment: Raises $1.2B/year for education & transportation.

      • $15 minimum wage increase.

      • Paid sick days & family leave for all MA workers.

    • Founded Shine Together, the first immigrant & Black worker-owned cleaning cooperative on the North Shore.

    • Helped pass historic statewide criminal justice reform (2018) and police reform (2021) through legislative meetings, community forums, and public actions.

    • Secured $500K in Lynn’s police budget for an Unarmed Crisis Response Team—now independent from the police, with more work ahead.

    • Won body cameras for Lynn police officers.

    • Advocated for funding to establish a Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer in the Lynn Mayor’s Office.

    • Helped pass 2022 driver’s license law for all MA residents, regardless of immigration status.

    • Led voter outreach to defend the law from repeal.

    • Secured quarterly meetings with ICE and won the release of multiple detained immigrants.

    • Passed Sanctuary City ordinances in Salem & Ipswich and a Sanctuary School Resolution in Beverly.

    • Helped pass key Affordable Homes Act provisions

    • Secured $15M in ARPA funds for Lynn, including:

    • Won affordable housing ordinances in Rockport, Swampscott, & Lynn, lowering income thresholds to improve access.

    • Secured $650K for Rockport's Affordable Housing Trust Fund.

  • Since 2021, the ECCO community raised and donated funds to support 218 families in desperate need due to the COVID crisis. We also supported one another through mutual aid and created a “RAFT rental assistance application team” to support Spanish-only ECCO members with rental assistance applications that were only available in English.

  • Trained hundreds of community members from Black, Brown, and White communities to be more engaged and effective leaders and allies in the fight for racial, social, and economic justice

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