On a break from school, my son and I visited his birthplace: rural Appalachian Ohio. Here, deep in the forests, caves and cliffs soar out of sandstone. My child marveled at how old the caves were, how they had been in existence for centuries. 

This week at the Climate Justice desk, we are looking at what lasts, and how nonprofits can make a persistent difference. First, the climate crisis is making homelessness worse, with disasters and increased insurance and rent or mortgage costs causing people to lose or be unable to find housing. How can nonprofits help? Next, particularly in times of social and political unrest, nonprofits play an essential role in strengthening democracy. We explore how organizations can integrate civic engagement into their mission, even if they aren’t explicitly political.

Then, how is climate change a mental health issue, who is most at risk, and how can support be integrated into climate actions? Finally, since May is Mental Health Awareness Month, we invite you to read through our collection of stories highlighting mental health issues and how nonprofits are addressing them.

Dr. Alison Stine
Climate Justice Senior Editor