Our Core Principles

Our approach is grounded in “targeted universalism” – setting a universal goal that benefits everyone and then developing targeted strategies to achieve that goal that address the unique contexts and challenges of individual groups and communities. Our goal is to ensure that all neighborhoods that make the difficult decision to consider relocation due to increasing flood or fire risk have the support they need to transition to a safe and welcoming place to call home.

The following core principles guide our work.

Local Self-Determination and Humanity

We believe local voices must determine what their particular community wants, needs, and is willing to do. We further recognize that transitions can be emotionally and psychologically taxing, but can also create pathways to more hopeful futures. We are committed to helping communities and individuals deal openly and productively with the very real personal and psychological dynamics of climigration.

Supportive Systems

Communities and households need the right systems in place to enable their self-determination. This includes strong networks that offer assistance, and planning, legal, and financial tools and resources that meet the needs of the affected people and ecosystems. We are committed to developing and advocating for systemic solutions that support community-led climigration.

Equity

A long history of structural and institutional racism in the United States has led to a climate crisis in many Black, Indigenous, and other communities of color. Differences in wealth, housing, healthcare, mobility, and networks translate into differences in the way people are affected by risk and their ability to access resources to adapt. We are committed to developing solutions that account for and seek to address power imbalances and injustice.