About the Mendo Labor Cooperative
By workers, for workers. Building economic justice from the ground up.
Our Story
The Mendo Labor Cooperative was born from the recognition that unhoused and precariously housed workers face unique challenges in the labor market—and that we're best positioned to create solutions for ourselves.
In Mendocino County, rising housing costs and stagnant wages have pushed many working people into homelessness. Rather than accepting charity-based approaches that treat symptoms, we chose to organize as workers to address root causes of economic inequality.
Our cooperative model puts worker ownership and democratic decision-making at the center. We believe that those most impacted by economic injustice should lead the fight for change.
Our Approach
Worker-Led Solutions
We reject top-down charity models. Instead, we organize democratically, with decisions made by worker-members who understand the challenges firsthand.
Mutual Aid + Organizing
We combine immediate mutual aid with long-term organizing for systemic change. We meet people's needs while building power for bigger victories.
Economic Democracy
We believe workers should control their workplaces and communities. Our cooperative model is a step toward broader economic democracy.
Housing Justice
Housing is a human right. We organize for policies that treat housing as a public good, not a commodity for profit.
What We Do
Job Placement & Worker Advocacy
We help members find dignified work and fight for fair wages, safe conditions, and respect on the job. We also support workers facing exploitation or discrimination.
Mutual Aid Network
Emergency assistance, resource sharing, and collective care to help members meet basic needs. We share tools, transportation, food, and support each other through crises.
Community Organizing
Campaigns for living wages, affordable housing, tenant protections, and other policies that benefit working people. We build coalitions and take collective action.
Skills & Leadership Development
Worker education, organizing training, and skill-sharing to build our collective capacity and develop new leaders from within our community.
Member Screening Program (In Development)
We are actively seeking grant funding to implement a comprehensive member screening program, including background checks, to ensure the safety and trust of both our worker-members and the communities we serve. This investment will strengthen our cooperative while maintaining our commitment to second-chance employment.
Ready to Join the Movement?
Whether you need support or want to support others, there's a place for you in our cooperative.