Building Community Power for Health Equity

GAVA is a coalition of neighbors and community partners breaking down barriers to healthy living and strengthening neighborhood stability in Austin’s Eastern Crescent (Dove Springs, South Austin, the Rundberg area and St. Johns neighborhood).

Breaking down barriers to healthy living in Austin’s Eastern Crescent

Resident-led teams work with GAVA organizers to identify and lead efforts to improve nutrition, increase access to safe physical activity, support climate resilience and neighborhood stability, and advocate for equitable policies and practices in their communities.

Our Accomplishments to Date

  • Neighborhoods served by effective community organizing in four zip codes in Austin’s Eastern Crescent

  • Over 2000+ resident & community leaders activated

  • 40+ community assets and programs enhanced, improved or created since 2012

  • Secured re-allocation of more than $12 million dollars in public funds for infrastructure improvements in Dove Springs, South Austin and other neighborhoods in the Eastern Crescent.

community resources for covid-19

GAVA organizers are keeping in regular contact with residents, partners, institutional stakeholders, and elected officials' offices, to:

  1. Identify and communicate immediate resources, gaps, and potential leads for those most in need of cash assistance, food, medical care, internet access, electronic devices, and more.

  2. Adapt organizing and programmatic work to advance projects like our food distribution pilot with Urban Roots, clinical partnership with LoneStar Circle of Care, GAVA's Community Climate Resilience Navigator pilot and A.I.S.D. health equity efforts. We’re also organizing community to drive equitable changes that are critical during this crisis and for health equity in the future

  3. Stay connected through social media and other networks that support families to a) stay physically active, b) maintain good nutrition, c) care for mental health d) maintain and create new social cohesion and neighborhood leadership

GAVA staff and organizers have been working to put together a list of resources for residents affected by COVID-19, from food access to telehealth to education tools for kids. If you have any questions or ideas, please email us at resources@goaustinvamosaustin.org.

Get involved

Strong community relationships, teamwork, and a strong equity framework drive our impact. Whether you’re a resident who wants to join neighborhood efforts or participate in an event or a donor who wishes to contribute to our mission of health equity in Austin, we invite you to be part of our network!

*Do you live, work, worship in GAVA’s neighborhoods of focus?

Sponsors

Without the support and guidance of our sponsors, we would not be able to accomplish our mission and fulfill our vision. Thank you for your continued support! 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

WATCH THE VIDEOS BELOW FOR A SNAPSHOT OF OUR WORK