Homelessness, Initiatives and Efforts

In January 2017, 204 individuals experiencing homelessness in the City of Alameda were counted during the Countywide Point-In-Time Count of individuals experiencing homelessness.

In response Alameda Housing Authority and the City of Alameda’s Social Service Human Relations Board authored the Alameda Homelessness Report(PDF, 3MB), which was approved by the City Council in March 2018.  The report:
1.  examines the state of homelessness in Alameda,
2.  identifies gaps in services,
3.  explores best practices and evidence-based programs tested in other areas,
4.  and provides recommendations for what might be possible to implement in the City.

The City’s CARES Team (Collaboration Advancing Research, Efforts, and Supports for Alameda’s Homeless) is the City-lead consortium working to address the issue of homelessness in Alameda.

Under the oversight of the CARES Team are programs that provide outreach and services to individuals experiencing homelessness. These are a product of work by CARES Team members  including City departments, non-profit agencies, and community and faith-based organizations in Alameda. These programs include:

Mobile Outreach
Non-profit organizations Operation Dignity and Building Futures provide basic necessities to those experiencing homelessness while working on stabilizing their situation and helping them to find housing.

Dine and Connect
Held on the first and last Monday of each month, and the second Tuesday of each month, dinners lead by Alameda’s faith-based community provide more than just a warm meal to those experiencing homelessness. Alongside dinner, this program connects individuals to services and resources and fosters community with an opportunity for individuals to meet, talk, and connect. Volunteers are welcome. 

Locations:

•  First Monday of each month at Twin Towers United Methodist Church, 2259 Central Ave Alameda, CA (click to view map)
• Second Tuesday of each month at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1323 Central Ave Alameda, CA (click to view map)
• Last Monday of each month at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1420 Lafayette St. Alameda, CA (click to view map)

Laundry Services

Intensive Case Management
The City supports case management services in addition to that provided through the countywide Continuum of Care. Building Futures provides a comprehensive, individualized array of services, including securing identification documents, obtaining pension or social security income, and physical and mental health needs. This helps to prepare unhoused individuals to obtain housing.

Sunsetting Homelessness in Alameda – Parking Meters for the Homeless
Orange like an Alameda sunset, these parking meters are located throughout the community to both draw attention to the issue of homelessness and to allow community members to make donations of spare change (or credit card transactions) toward homeless programs in the City. Local businesses can show their support for the City’s efforts to address homelessness by sponsoring a meter. Contact Ana Bagtas for more information 510-747-6883.

Are you homeless and seeking assistance?
Contact Building Futures at 866-A-WAY-OUT
(24 HOUR TOLL FREE CRISIS LINE)
or
Call 2-1-1
For the same intake

The City of Alameda participates in the Alameda County Continuum of Care. The 24 hours, 7 days a week resource for those experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness is to call 2-1-1. Staff there have the most in-depth knowledge of available resources, shelter locations, and available housing applications.

There are a number of resources countywide that can be accessed by calling 2-1-1 or visiting their website at http://211alamedacounty.org/.

In addition, some organizations specifically serve those in the City of Alameda, including:
Alameda Food Bank – Phone: (510) 523-5850
Mastic Senior Center – Phone: (510) 747-7500 
AUSD – McKinney Vento Coordinator – Phone: (510) 337-7102 
Alameda Rent Program – Phone: (510) 747-4346

Homelessness Report(PDF, 3MB)

EveryoneHome Plan(PDF, 2MB)

Homelessness Task Force Report(PDF, 3MB) Tools and Resources for Cities and Counties.