Preserving the
Chávez Family Home
A Sacred Place of History, Hope, and Community Power
The César Chávez Family Home is one of East San José’s most significant cultural and organizing landmarks — a place that shaped the trajectory of civil rights, immigrant justice, and farmworker dignity in America. Today, Amigos de Guadalupe is honored to serve as the steward of this historic property, protecting its legacy and ensuring that its impact continues to inspire future generations.
A Brief History of
A Home That Shaped a Movement
The significance of César Chávez, the Chávez family, and their deep connection to East San José cannot be overstated. It was here — in the streets, churches, schools, and neighborhoods of Mayfair — that a young César Chávez learned the strategies of non-violent resistance, community organizing, and collective empowerment.
In this community, the Chávez family:
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Built strong networks of trust and solidarity
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Inspired neighbors with community gatherings centered on justice and the dignity of immigrant and farmworker families
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Enlivened one of the earliest organizing bases for what would become a national movement
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Sparked the first grape boycotts — including actions that took place just steps from the family home
Much of this early organizing grew directly out of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, guided by Fr. Donald McDonnell, and out of the Chávez family’s living room, where neighbors gathered to dream, plan, and act.
It is in these very surroundings that Sal Si Puedes (“Get Out if You Can”) transformed into the powerful, enduring vision of Sí Se Puede (“Yes, We Can”).
Why Preservation Matters
As development pressures intensify across Silicon Valley, culturally significant community landmarks risk being lost. For Mayfair and East San José, preserving the César Chávez Family Home became an urgent priority — a way to safeguard a place that holds memory, identity, and movement-building history.
By purchasing and stewarding the property in 2022, Amigos de Guadalupe ensures that the home remains a community asset, protected for generations to come.
Our work is to:
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Preserve the building and its historical integrity
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Activate the space for service, learning, reflection, and connection
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Honor the stories of farmworkers, immigrants, and working families
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Inspire new movements for justice rooted in the legacy of Sí Se Puede
Our Commitment as Stewards
Amigos de Guadalupe is committed to honoring this sacred site with the respect, authenticity, and community-centered approach it deserves.
Together with local residents, partners, educators, and cultural leaders, we aim to ensure that the César Chávez Family Home continues to be a place where history is remembered — and where new visions for dignity and justice are born.
The Future of the Chávez Family Home
We have welcomed neighbors, elders, youth, and local leaders into community meetings to shape a shared vision for the future of this historic space. Their insights, hopes, and stories have guided every step of our planning. Together, the community has imagined a front house transformed into a vibrant hub — a dynamic space of service, action, and collective power that reflects the spirit of the Chávez family’s original organizing, while protecting the sacred space of the back house where Cesar Chavez lived, as a living testament to the power of collective organizing and movement building.
To bring this vision to life, we now begin the essential work of raising the funds needed to preserve the Chávez home and activate the property for generations to come. With community voices at the center and the legacy of Sí Se Puede as our guide, we look forward to building a space where history continues to move, inspire, and empower.
Join us in preserving the legacy of the César Chávez Family Home.
Your donation can make a difference—simply choose
“César Chávez Family Home Fund” in the “My donation is for…” section.