EOCP Newsletter Spring 2011 - Oakland

East Oakland Community Project
Newsline
Spring 2011
Coming of Age EOCP Turns 21!
EOCP is turning 21!
We literally came up from the streets,
a gritty grassroots support network
that evolved into a sustainable
community resource. Twenty-one
years ago, we began in a vacant lot
on East 14th Street. Betty Palmer
and a group of community activists
called the program, “Mission Safe”,
and provided street-level services to
homeless people. They distributed
food bags, motel vouchers, and
service referrals. When things got
really bad homeless people camped
out using cardboard for shelter in
the lot.
Shelter for the homeless in East
Oakland was minimal, prior to
the 1989 Loma Prieta Earthquake.
Through its destruction of so many
low income units, the earthquake
added an estimated 2,500 poor to
the homeless roster. To address
the resulting crisis, the city and the
county joined together with Mission
Safe in 1990 to establish a homeless
shelter that became known as the
East Oakland Community Project.
EOCP offered more than a
temporary fix for homeless people.
A key program element includes
individualized support, through case
management, which helps clients
advocate for themselves and connects
them to services to assist them in
becoming self-reliant. Residents are
supported holistically, addressing
their needs for employment,
healthcare, housing and education,
and assistance for those seeking
freedom from drugs.
A sad change in 1995 brought serious
challenges to EOCP. Ms. Palmer,
Founder and Executive Director,
became ill and left the organization.
The loss of a visionary founder was
devastating. Tragedy was exacerbated
by cuts amounting to over $250,000
which drastically reduced the agency’s
cash flow. As fundraising was at a
stand-still, EOCP’s budget went
from approximately $1 million to
$579,000 leaving the agency on the
verge of bankruptcy.
While many expected EOCP to close
its doors, the Board of Directors
conducted a search for a new
director to keep its vital services in
the community. In1996, they hired
Wendy Jackson who began her tenure
facing the difficulties of rebuilding
the organization. Debts had to be
settled, partial layoffs needed to
take place, and fundraising needed
a jumpstart in order to keep EOCP
viable. Over time, EOCP stabilized
and increased its budget to its current
level of $3 million. Programs were
added or enhanced. For example,
continued on page 2
Coming of Age, EOCP Turns 21!
continued from page 1
launching a life skills training
program gave residents a road-map
for learning how to realize their
goals. For those who were sick and
tired of self-medicating with street
drugs, individual counseling and
educational support groups brought
more focus to their struggle.
Despite EOCP’s comeback, one
major pitfall held it back from
continued success. The site housing
the emergency services program and
100 people was dilapidated, drafty,
dank and uninspiring. Families had
no privacy; the makeshift offices did
not offer real confidentiality. The
old Safeway warehouse was hot in
the summer cold in the winter and
costing a fortune every month. The
decision was made to engage in a
capital campaign to build a new site.
Conducting an $11 million dollar
capital campaign was arduous but
in January 2008, EOCP succeeded
in building a new, state-of-the-art,
ecologically “green” building serving
125 people. Crossroads is great as it
includes: a separate family wing that
provides privacy for each resident
family; rooftop solar panels that
change solar energy to electricity;
cost effective water-based hydronic
heating; as well as other energy
efficient measures that allow in fresh
air and ample natural light. Designed
with the needs of homeless people
in mind, every square inch of the
building provides functional space for
both clients and staff.
EOCP’s vision extends far beyond
its past challenges and victories. In
the near future, EOCP hopes to
establish a respite care program for
homeless patients discharged from
hospitals in Alameda County. This
program, which does not currently
exist in the county, widens the
safety net for the most vulnerable.
EOCP will also work towards
finding solutions to homelessness by
developing stronger partnerships with
job training programs to embrace our
residents as they strive to establish
stable footing in the workforce.
EOCP has also evolved and grown
in significant ways that improve the
lives of homeless youth and families.
The continuum of care provided
also includes transitional housing
programs for families and young
adults, serving up to 7 youth and 24
families. Youth and families obtain
long term training and educational
goals, repair their credit, and acquire
employment and permanent housing
during their 24-month stay.
Long-Standing Homeless Advocate
Retires from EOCP Board of Directors
G.G. Greenhouse, MSW
G.G. Greenhouse, Director of Alameda County’s Health Care for the
Homeless Program joined EOCP’s Board of Directors in 2001. Long
before that, she was an ardent supporter who saw EOCP grow from
its street outreach beginnings to a $3 million community resource for
homeless individuals and families. Now as she retires from EOCP’s
Board in March she reflects on what drew her to the organization:
“I saw a natural connection between the role of Health Care for
the Homeless on the streets and EOCP as the first line of stability
for homeless people.” G.G. believes that her impact on EOCP has
been, “to provide a perspective on continuity of services for homeless
people in the community.” G.G. believes that effectively serving
homeless people must include community service links before and
after they are housed to ensure their individual and familial stability.
East Oakland Community Project e Page 2
Community Spotlight:
Berith Christian Fellowship Provides Vital Training
It would be an understatement to say
that EOCP depends on community
support! From walk-in donations of
clothing to weekly shipments of food,
involvement from individuals and
organizations are an important contribution to the services that
our program seeks to provide for the homeless. In
early 2010, members of
Berith Christian Fellowship (BCF), a local church,
volunteered their time and
energy to co-facilitate Life
Skills Training for residents
at EOCP’s Crossroads, emergency housing program.
According to Pastor Rick,
their congregation’s motivation to get involved was rooted in
their faith. “Jesus makes it clear, that
helping the poor and sick is one of his
priorities. That means it is the church’s
job to assist in the community.”
Life Skills training is designed to
train residents to acquire the skills
needed to secure housing, wellness,
and an income stream. Garnett, a
Berith volunteer, was impressed and
encouraged by the fact that EOCP
seeks to empower its residents. “I
never knew a program like that existed, I always thought that shelters
only gave emergency assistance.”
Speaking to other volunteers, a com-
mon theme that arose was the desire to
ensure that homeless people realize that
they are not forgotten, that people are
listening. Every Tuesday and Thursday
Berith volunteers would present lessons
on money management, job readiness,
and housing search and have
follow-up discussions with
residents, covering practical as well as personal issues.
According to Lead Case
Manager, Sharricci Dancy,
“Having a variety of people
present the different lesson
plans made the training much
more effective.”
“Every time I showed up I
was able to see hope in at
least one person” said Denise, another
Berith volunteer, “and if my being there
to support Life Skills training helped
to encourage that, it was well worth
my time.”
SAVE THE DATE!
EOCP Tur ns 21!!!
Come celebrate our
coming of age
September 24, 2011
East Oakland Community Project e Page 3
Staying True to Our Vision:
Impressions from Clients and Staff on EOCP’s 21st Anniversary
Tony Casey, Resident
“The program has been good to me. I’ve been here since June and I haven’t had any problems. It’s helping
me go to school to develop my mechanical skills, and given me resources to look for jobs and to learn life
skills. They encourage you to find employment. It has been one of the best programs I’ve ever been in.
They help you take initiative and encourage you to take action. They don’t hold your hand but they feed
your desire to get out there and do the footwork. It’s been a great help to me, and its helping me get ready
to get back out there and rejoin society.”
Kim Parrish, Program Director, Crossroads Emergency Housing
“I think that EOCP has had a positive impact on the homeless community. We serve as a refuge for the
homeless. We offer them a place to get grounded and focused on something other than their immediate
issues and challenges. it’s more than just a place to stay and three meals. They actually are met by a lot of
support and training on a lot of different levels, so that when they leave they can make it on their own.
I think it’s important to say that some clients give back to EOCP by volunteering in food services.
Insofar as community impact, 25-35% of the people who leave EOCP exit to permanent housing and
10-15% move into transitional housing, as a direct result of the support they receive here. This has a
positive impact on the larger community.”
Thomas Schow, Cook, Matilda Cleveland Transitional Housing
“Since I’ve been working with EOCP, what I’ve experienced is that it is very proactive in the community
and tries to give back as much as possible to people that are in need. I have noticed that EOCP has a big
heart, cares for others’ needs and wants to help the people that need the most help.
Mary Ourng, EOCP Office Manager
“In this economy, people are losing their jobs and homes and are looking for programs like ours to help
them. It provides people with hope to know that there is help and programs that assist them to eventually
be on their own again. Our program shows that people aren’t just motivated for self good, but for the
good of others, as well.”
Eric Zedd, Resident
“This is an excellent program. The camaraderie that the staff shows amongst themselves is beautiful and
when they see a client that is sincere they open up to them. They seek to connect them to resources they
need. This is the best feeding and cleanest shelter and there is zero tolerance for violence and drugs. There
is an open heart of hospitality.”
Zella Holmes, Resident
“I think it’s had a great impact. When I first got here I cried like a baby, I didn’t want to be here. But since
the second or third day it’s been home for me. They’ve got a great staff, a great team. There are a lot of
good resources, but you have to put forth effort too and meet them halfway. I’m in school right now at
Laney College and working on getting my own place. I’m studying culinary arts and I would love to come
back and help cook here once I finish my school, and give back to the community myself.”
Norris Kelly, Resident
“This place saved my life; it got me out of a tough situation right when I needed it. I’m getting my
Shelter-Plus–Care and getting ready to get a permanent place. It’s a cold world out there, I’m so happy I’ve
got a nice clean bed here and meals three times a day. And don’t forget about the staff, they’re beautiful,
they’ve got great attitudes and they’ll help you when you need it. Here, it’s a blessing. If there were more
places like this, the community would be better.”
East Oakland Community Project e Page 4
Donate
online at:
www.eocp.net.
We appreciate
your gift!
Government Contracts
and Grants
Alameda County Office of AIDS,
Ryan White
Alameda County Behavioral Healthcare Services
Alameda County Social Services Agency, CHASS
City of Oakland, Community Development Block Grant
City of Oakland, Department of Human Services
FEMA
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) via Alameda County Housing and
Community Development
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development,
Supportive Housing Program
Veterans Administration
Foundation Support
Bank of America Foundation
Firedoll Foundation
Five Bridges Foundation
Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund
Walter and Elise Haas Fund
Kiwanis Club of San Leandro
San Francisco AIDS Foundation
Morris Stulsaft Foundation
The San Francisco Foundation
Union Bank Foundation
United Lutheran Church
Y & H Soda Foundation
Individuals and
Businesses
Anonymous (10)
Abbott Laboratories Employees
Melina Abdullah
Dr. and Mrs. Ronald Adler
Alternative Technologies
Hansel Anderson
Ms. Anika Backster
Elisabeth Bell
Cassandra Benjamin
Our Supporters
Help People Overcome Homelessness
John Berkly
Neera and Rakesh Bhatnagar
Prabha Bhatnagar
Shivinder Bir Kaur, M.D.
Oji Blackston
Jennifer Bliss
Natalie Bonnewit and
Matthew Myers
Cheryl Bryan
Sang-Ick Chang and
Toby Maurer
Josephine Chavez-Backster
Shi Mei Chenlin-Zielazinski and Mark Zielazinski
Denis Chamberlin
Megan and John Chenoweth
Kathleen Clanon
Kathleen Crandall
Mr. Robert D. Crowder
Lynne Daniels
Sakti and Maya Das, M.D.
Sharricci Dancy
Anthony Douglas
Geraldine Driver
Sonia and Don Dunning
Janice Eldred and Peter Szutu
Brittany Ellis
Jay and Don Emmons
Karen Euston
Lillian and Glenn Fong
Victoria Fowlis-Porchia
Marva and Lucien Francis
Sheira Freedman
Paula French
Linda Fuentes
Judy Furukawa
Katharine Gale and
John Shepherd
Judith Garcia
Hydeh Ghaffari and
Richard McCracken
Judith Ghidinelli and Sharon
Page Ritchie
Morgan Gilhuly and
Monique Parrish
Dorothy Graham
Ariella Granett and
Bhima Sheridan
G.G. Greenhouse
Michele Greenhouse and
Curlen Phipp
Alex Gubert
Oberiae Guerry
Drs. Laurel and Alden Harken
Sara Harrier
Pam and Howard Hatayama
Alec Henderson
Donna Howell
Tom Howes
Polly Ikonen
Gail Janny
Noah Jennings
Pedro Jimenez
Rebecca Johnson
Angela Jones
Muriel H. and David J. Kears
Teresa and Kevin Kennedy
Marshon King
Susan and
Judge Kenneth Kingsbury
Leila and Charlie Knox
Kojo Mason, Caribbean Roots and Culture
Ed Lana
Loreta Lynch
Tara Mammini and
Daniel Clanon
Susana Martinez Villegas and Jesus Lopez
Courtney McCormick
Kenneth McDermith
Benita McLarin
Denise Mendoza
Anne-Marie Lamarche and
Mark Menke
Kelsey Mesrour
Carolyn and George Meyer
Robin Miller and Daniel Rossi
Inca Mohamed
Raymond Monahan
Joseph Nashing
Katharine Neubauer
Peter Nye
Stephanie and
David Powers Skaff
Jane O’Brien and Alan Briskin
Christopher Patil
Phillips Temple C.M.E. Church
Joe Pitts
Lawrence Prill
Linda Reimann
Lena Robinson
Kathi Roisen and
Howard Goldenberg
James Schuler
Adeeb Shanaa and Ana R. Zavala
Danielle and Andrew Sherman
Andrew Sigal
Peggy Silva
Lee Ray Smith
Laurie A. Soman, MSW
Something Good 2nd Hand Store
East Oakland Community Project e Page 5
Ellen Bernstein and
Richard Speiglman
Amy stewart and Lionel McNeely
Sandra Wasson and
Robert Stewart
Pamela Stewart
Kellie Stoddart and David Cone
Kae and Wesley Sullensono
Mini and Rob Swift
Janet and Frank Swift
Janet and Ryan Swift
Nancy Taylor and
Michael Wirgler
The Inner Athlete
Tood Tews
Mr. and Mrs. Walter Thomas
Janet Trimble
Yvonne and Bob Uyeki
Anne Weills and Daniel Siegel
Tisha Wilder
Shirley Wilkinson
Robert Wollenzien
Miranda Worthen
Crystal Woodford
Ono Yohji
J. Zaitlin and Mark Nienberg
Stephanie and Enric Zappa
In-Kind Donations
Dick’s Donuts
Geraldine Driver
Marva and Lucien Francis
Linda Fuentes
Alex Gubert
Pedro Jimenez
Rebecca Johnson
Ed Lana
Loreta Lynch
Denise Mendoza
National Council of Negro
Women
Mini and Rob Swift
Mission:
EOCP empowers homeless
individuals and families in
Alameda County to regain
a life of self-reliance. We
provide dignified emergency
and transitional housing and
compassionate comprehensive
support services that prepare
homeless people to successfully
transition to well being.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Mini Swift, M.D., M.P.H., Chair
Kimi Watkins-Tartt, Secretary
Denys Crain-Gully, Sr., Ph.D., Treasurer
Dennis Aman
G.G. Greenhouse, MSW
Alden Harken, M.D.
Rey Garcia
Jon Akutagawa
Luella J. Penserga, M.P.H.
ADMINISTRATION
Wendy Jackson, Executive Director
Denis Chamberlin, Financial Manager
Justin Hong, Executive Assistant
Mary Ourng, Office Manager
Robert Wollenzien, Facilities Manager
CROSSROADS EMERGENCY
HOUSING
Kim Parrish, Program Director
Shirley Gainey,
Substance Abuse/Mental Health Counselor
Sharricci Dancy, Lead Case Manager
Machel Best, Case Manager
Jennifer Bliss, Case Manager
Tambra Duren, Family Case Manager
Askia Muhammad,
Outreach Worker/Health Coach
Karen Redus, Lead Resident Advisor
Scottie Harrison, Resident Advisor
Lashaunta Flores-Adams, Resident Advisor
Tenaya Sims, Resident Advisor
Blanca Plazola, Resident Advisor
Jamila Fuller, Resident Advisor
Keith Bless, Resident Advisor
Gary Tia, Resident Advisor (Team Leader)
Nashin Joseph, Resident Advisor
Trina Taylor, Resident Advisor
Randy Harrison, Maintenance Technician
Joanne Riley, Cook
OUR HOUSE TRANSTIONAL
HOUSING
Linda Fuentes,
Our House Case Manager/Coordinator
Babalola Ogunbiyi, Youth Counselor
Gloria Fields, Youth Counselor
MATILDA CLEVELAND/
FAMILIES IN TRANSITION
TRANSITIONAL HOUSING
Kathleen Malloy, Family Case Manager
Andrea Johnson, MA, MFT Intern,
Family Case Manager
Lisa Osborne, Housing Manager
Shariffa Payne, Housing Placement Specialist
Thomas Schow, Cook
Gerardo Chavez, Overnight Caretaker
Compassion Solves Homelessness
Nonprofit Org.
U.S.Postage
PAID
Oakland, CA
No. 227
East Oakland Community Project
7515 International Blvd.
Oakland, CA 94621
510 532-3211 tel
510 532-2112 fax
www.eocp.net