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Community Celebrates Acts Cyrene Apartments – 59 Affordable Units In East Oakland

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Over 100 community members recently gathered to celebrate the grand opening of Acts Cyrene Apartments at 9400 International Boulevard. The 59-unit mixed used family development in East Oakland at 94th avenue was 10 years in the making, the dream of Bishop Bob Jackson, founder, and pastor of Acts Full Gospel Church of God in Christ (AFGC) on 66th avenue in Oakland.

Jackson beside his wife, Barbara Ann, took the podium beaming with happiness and pride in seeing the project come to fruition. “I am so thrilled to complete this affordable housing complex, so we can continue to put the neighbor back in the hood,” said Jackson.

In a unique partnership between the City of Oakland, Related California, the Oakland Housing Authority and Acts Community Development Corporation (ACDC), the project came together to create affordable housing in East Oakland. The site features state of the art one to three bedroom apartments featuring a fitness center, business center, picnic area, basketball, clubhouse and among other amenities. The location will also include 3500 square feet of retail space fronting International Boulevard between 94th and 96th Streets. The land for the project land was donated by the ACDC that raised and invested several million dollars in the project.

With a looming housing crisis throughout the bay area, Jackson says he will continue to build and form partnerships so that the homeless and working class can have affordable housing options.

A soon-to-be resident of the complex, Alisha Chambers attended with her newborn. She shared of how the rising cost of housing left her and her four children living among relatives and public spaces for the last five years.

“Over 6000 people applied to live here for 59 units, so we want to continue to work toward solutions to alleviate this housing crisis,” he said. “Many have had to move to Antioch, Vallejo, and Stockton and we want people to be able to stay in Oakland,” said Jackson who has relentlessly sought to increase affordable housing in Oakland and combat the impact of gentrification that displaces people of color disproportionately.

Jackson said the 10-year undertaking required perseverance and teamwork. Oakland City Council President Larry Reid who worked closely with Jackson joked about Jackson’s perseverance and persuasive tactics when the project appeared to stall.

“Bishop was not going to take ‘No’ or ‘We can’t do it,’ as an option and he had no reservations about letting me know this,” he joked. Reid thanked Oakland City Council Policy Analyst, Ray Leon for his help and coordination, just as Jackson gave heartfelt thanks to his associate pastor, Mark Claybrooks. “When I couldn’t make it to a meeting, Mark was always there, carrying the charge to get this project done,” said Jackson. Jackson already has plans to build another complex of senior housing right across the street from the Cyrene Apartments.

Speakers representing the Oakland Housing Authority and William A. Witte, Chairman, and CEO of Related California, addressed the audience. Dozens of community leaders, such as Councilmembers Lynette McElhaney and Abel Guillen came out for the ribbon cutting and reception. AFGC church members on the scene included Elder Edgar Allen, Chief Administrative Officer George Matthews, Juanita Walker, Sandy Claybrooks, Denise Emile, Marlinda Thorne, Annette Allen and others.

“Our bishop is all about transforming the community and creating change in East Oakland and the city,” said Emile. “He even named the complex Cyrene for its significance in the Bible – how special is that,” added Claybrooks.

Activism

Oakland Trybe Hosts Community Christmas Wonderland

According to the Oakland Trybe Clinton Park Site Director, Chien Nguyen, Oakland Trybe serves the community every Sunday afternoon. “Today has extra fanfare because it’s Christmas and the end of the year, but we feed and build community here every week throughout the year,” said Nguyen. 

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Oakland Trybe Hosts Christmas Celebration at San Antonio Park. (L-R:) Oakland Trybe Clinton Park Site Director Chien Nguyen and Oakland Trybe Executive Director, Pastor Andrew Park. Photo by Carla Thomas
Oakland Trybe Hosts Christmas Celebration at San Antonio Park. (L-R:) Oakland Trybe Clinton Park Site Director Chien Nguyen and Oakland Trybe Executive Director, Pastor Andrew Park. Photo by Carla Thomas

By Carla Thomas

On Dec. 22, at the corner of 18th and Foothill in Oakland, San Antonio Park was transformed into a winter wonderland, courtesy of the non-profit Oakland Trybe.

The festiveness of the holiday was in full effect with children reaching for snow flurries as an artificial snow machine sprayed snowflakes from the park’s hillside. Nearby, about a dozen kids jumping up and down in an extra-large bounce house added more cheer to the atmosphere.

Gospel music filled the air. Children built gingerbread houses and designed homemade tree ornaments at the crafts table while others lined up for Christmas gifts and photos with Santa Claus.

A Black Santa Claus portrayed by Oakland Trybe staffer,”  Isaiah Jackson, was seated beside the Christmas tree filled with personalized ornaments as children received gifts. “It’s fun to interact with the community and provide activities and a space for the kids to let loose in a safe environment,” said Jackson who serves as Oakland Trybe’s Operations Outreach Specialist.

According to the Oakland Trybe Clinton Park Site Director, Chien Nguyen, Oakland Trybe serves the community every Sunday afternoon. “Today has extra fanfare because it’s Christmas and the end of the year, but we feed and build community here every week throughout the year,” said Nguyen.

Below, at the food court that Ngyuen says was built by staff, volunteers, and organization interns, kids played soccer on the two newly resurfaced playgrounds.

Parents lined up with their little ones for a plate of smoked chicken, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and salad. Ladies serving the food wore festive Christmas aprons bearing a customized spin on the Heinz catsup logo: “Catch Up With Jesus. Lettuce Praise and Relish Him, Cuz He Loves Me From My Head To ma toes.”

“It’s nice to serve and see everyone so happy,” said Mei Fu,” who is also an Oakland Trybe Operations and Outreach Specialist.

“Oakland Trybe is the largest distributor of food in Oakland from the Alameda County Food Bank,” said Nguyen. “Today, we served about 500 meals.”

Executive Director of Oakland Trybe Andrew Park, who is a pastor, said, in addition to providing food and entertainment, he and a small group were praying for guests who were ill. “We are community-based and welcome all, but we also know the power of prayer,” said Park. “By meeting the community’s needs and bringing them together, we can combat hate and racism at its core.”

With a rise in racism and hate in the world, Oakland Trybe considers its mission as a community builder combatting racism and other forms of hate by fostering programming that meets the needs of the community.

“Our organization was built with the need to support the community and bring people together,” said Park. “Together, with common goals, we can ensure people get to know one another and that breaks down cultural and racial barriers.”

According to Nguyen, Park does not pastor at a church. However, through his faith, he serves the larger community. “This is his church, and I appreciate him as a mentor,” said Ngyuen who is Buddhist. “This is how you reach the community, build community, and heal.”

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Activism

A Student-Run Group Provides Critical Support Services to Underserved Residents

Those visiting The Suitcase Clinic can get legal advice, sign up for food assistance, receive housing resources, get medical help, or enjoy a hot, fresh meal. They can also get haircuts and foot washes from the student volunteers. Nilo Golchini, executive director of the clinic, said one of the goals for most of the students working there is helping bridge the gap of trust that exists between many unhoused people and the healthcare and social welfare systems.

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UC Berkeley Law Students help a clinic visitor with legal advice at their Tuesday night services. The Clinic offers a variety of resources, including medical, to those in the community who have little access to these services. Photo by Magaly Muñoz
UC Berkeley Law Students help a clinic visitor with legal advice at their Tuesday night services. The Clinic offers a variety of resources, including medical, to those in the community who have little access to these services. Photo by Magaly Muñoz

Part One

By Magaly Muñoz

Every Tuesday evening, the dining hall of First Presbyterian Church fills up with dozens of people eating, laughing and moving from table to table, receiving much-needed services from UC Berkeley students – just a few blocks away from the university’s campus.

Individuals seeking support services can be found in this multi-stationed room on the south end of the church talking to law students, student case managers, or receiving medical attention in a corner by healthcare professionals.

This weekly event is hosted by Cal students through a volunteer-run program called The Suitcase Clinic.

The clinic, founded in 1989, was intended to offer free resources to underserved communities in Berkeley and surrounding cities. The majority of the clinic’s clientele are unhoused or low-income people looking for extra support.

Those visiting the clinic can get legal advice, sign up for food assistance, receive housing resources, get medical help, or enjoy a hot, fresh meal. They can also get haircuts and foot washes from the student volunteers.

Nilo Golchini, executive director of the clinic, said one of the goals for most of the students working there is helping bridge the gap of trust that exists between many unhoused people and the healthcare and social welfare systems.

During their tenure in the program, many of the students say they become strong advocates for homelessness rights.

Visitors of the Suitcase Clinic can receive haircuts and foot washing by student volunteers every Tuesday evening. Photo by Magaly Muñoz.

Visitors of the Suitcase Clinic can receive haircuts and foot washing by student volunteers every Tuesday evening. Photo by Magaly Muñoz.

“We’re also standing in solidarity with them. So, it’s not saying, ‘I’m going to help you, but I’m also going to stand with you,’” Golchini said.

Student volunteers get extensive training prior to working directly with clients. Those interested have to take a semester-long class to become versed in areas such as outreach, intersectionality, how to interact with unhoused people, how to sign people up for social services. and more.

Volunteers then get to pick from three different clinics: General, Women’s, or Youth and LGBTQ+.

The General Clinic is the most popular among visiting residents, while Women’s and Youth/LQBTQ+ have more specialized services for attendees.

The Women’s Clinic has many of the similar services to General, but also includes nail painting, childcare, and massages.

The Youth and LGBTQ+ Clinic offers a safe space for young people navigating living on the streets, with services that include housing referrals, wellness and recreation classes and employment resources.

Golchini explained that it’s important for them to keep these clinics separate because the different demographics experience poverty and homelessness differently than those who visit the General Clinic.

Suitcase Clinic student workers posing for a photo with a frequent clinic attendee. The Clinic is open to Berkeley unhoused and low-income residents who need medical or legal service, or a hot meal. Photo by Magaly Muñoz.

Suitcase Clinic student workers posing for a photo with a frequent clinic attendee. The Clinic is open to Berkeley unhoused and low-income residents who need medical or legal service, or a hot meal. Photo by Magaly Muñoz.

“We’re able to provide spaces where people can come in and feel safe and not feel like they’re constantly worried that something’s going to happen to them,” she said.

An outreach team also visits encampments every other Saturday in the Berkeley area to provide hygiene kits and encourage people to visit the in-person clinic, if possible.

However, Golchini said engagement has been low for some time now due to a recent decision by the U.S. Supreme Court that allows cities to ban and cite people for sleeping on the streets.

She said a lot of their clientele got displaced to other cities over time, making it difficult to stay in contact with the services the Clinic was providing for them.

But that hasn’t slowed down the students at the Clinic, if anything, it has pushed them to do more for the community they serve.

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Activism

OCCUR Hosts “Faith Forward” Conference in Oakland

The conference featured Congresswoman-elect Lateefah Simon, who will begin her term representing California’s 12th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives in January.
Simon was honored with a special recognition from OCCUR for her civic and nonprofit leadership.

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President and CEO of OCCUR addresses the audience at OCCUR Faith Forward 2024 Conference at Resurrection Church. Photo By Carla Thomas.
President and CEO of OCCUR addresses the audience at OCCUR Faith Forward 2024 Conference at Resurrection Church. Photo by Carla Thomas.

By Carla Thomas

The Oakland Citizens Committee for Urban Renewal (OCCUR) hosted its Faith Forward 2024 Conference on Nov. 8 at Resurrection Church in Oakland.

The conference featured Congresswoman-elect Lateefah Simon, who will begin her term representing California’s 12th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives in January.

Simon was honored with a special recognition from OCCUR for her civic and nonprofit leadership. During her remarks, She commended nonprofits making a difference, and shared how she looked forward to representing Oakland and surrounding areas.

Simon also encouraged attendees to continue fighting despite their concerns about the presidential election results. She also cautioned that there may be resources that are discontinued as a result.

“We know the assignment. We have many of the resources right within our own community, and we will be ok,” Simon assured the audience.

The conference led by OCCUR president, Dr. David B. Franklin, also featured panels on funding opportunities, case studies, economic development, sustainable housing solutions, and organizing for action.

“In order for organizations serving the community to thrive, everyone must collaborate, share resources, and not operate in silos,” said Franklin.

Speakers included San Francisco Foundation CEO, Fred Blackwell, San Francisco Foundation FAITHS Program Director Dr. Michelle Chambers, and Kingmakers of Oakland Founder, Chris Chatmon. Guests were briefed on how Kingmakers of Oakland has gone from a budget of zero to several million and is set to acquire 200 acres of property to expand their programs serving young boys. The leadership at the San Francisco Foundation encouraged nonprofits, churches, and community leaders to work together, especially when donations and funding numbers are lower.

Ben Bartlett of Berkeley City Council; Trevor Parham, CEO of Oakstop; and CEO of the Lao Family Community Development, Inc., Kathy Chao Rothberg, inspired attendees with stories about their journeys in the nonprofit sector.

Additional speakers included Deka Dike, CEO of Omatachi; Landis Green, CEO of DGS Strategies; Sasha Werblin, Director of Economic Development, LISC Bay Area; Oakland City Councilmember Treva Reid; Faith and Justice Organizer of East Bay Housing Organizations, Ronnie Boyd; and Todd Bendon, Executive Director of Faith in Action East Bay; among others.

The event allowed community leaders, faith-based leaders, and nonprofits to gain Insight on how to strengthen their profits financially, and communally.

OCCUR has served the community for over 70 years supporting the wellbeing of historically marginalized communities with collaborative strategies. For more information visit occurnow.org

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