Bay Area

Interfaith Council of Alameda County Takes Action on Homelessness Crisis

The Interfaith Council of Alameda County (ICAC) is leading a concerted effort alongside city, state, and county officials to tackle the urgent issue of homelessness in our community. For the past six years, ICAC has run the Safe Car Park program, providing resources and a safe place to sleep for unhoused neighbors and families living in their vehicles.

Published

10 months ago

August 17, 2024

Oakland Post

Founding ICAC President Pastor Ken Chambers, left, and Dr. Kenneth Anderson, first vice president of the state Baptist Convention and pastor of Williams Chapel Baptist Church, pose in front of the trailers that need renovation. Photo by Kevin Hicks, Hicks Media.

By Pastor Candace Chambers

Special to The Post

The Interfaith Council of Alameda County (ICAC) is leading a concerted effort alongside city, state, and county officials to tackle the urgent issue of homelessness in our community.

For the past six years, ICAC has run the Safe Car Park program, providing resources and a safe place to sleep for unhoused neighbors and families living in their vehicles.

The Safe Car Park program has become a beacon of safety in communities. ICAC has also received 25 trailers from the State of California through the city of Oakland. Funding did not accompany the trailers, so a GoFundMe campaign has been raising funds to make the trailers livable, aimed at providing immediate relief and short-term housing options.

“The Interfaith Council is committed to working hand-in-hand with local authorities and community partners to address homelessness comprehensively,” stated Pastor Ken Chambers, founding president of ICAC. “Our goal is to not only provide immediate support but also to implement sustainable housing solutions that will make an impact.”

ICAC holds monthly community meetings and recently hosted Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao and the new Oakland chief of police, Floyd Mitchell, at their July meeting at the Williams Chapel Baptist Church in Oakland.

“I’m really getting acclimated with the City of Oakland and how we as a police department can partner better with our constituents, community, and our businesses,” said Mitchell.

“ICAC has saved so many people because of the Safe Car Park program,” said Thao. “We know that when you’re dealing with everyday issues including putting food on the table or finding a job, the last thing you should have to worry about is your safety when you’re asleep at your most vulnerable phase.”

Thao also confirmed that the $450,000 approved resolution by the City Council included the new approved budget to expand the Safe Car Park and Trailer programs.

The next community meeting will take place on Thursday, Sept. 12 from 1-2:30 p.m. at the Oakland Temple Visitors Center at 4766 Lincoln Ave., Oakland, California 94602.

Discussions centered on enhancing collaboration between civic leaders, faith-based organizations, and grassroots initiatives will be continued. All are welcome to attend in-person and virtually.

Building Equity Discipline and Respect for our Communities (BEDROC) and ICAC will provide a shower and laundry truck for the community in collaboration with Williams Chapel Baptist Church at 1410 10th Ave, Oakland, CA 94606 on Aug. 13 from 12-3 p.m.

For more information on how to contribute or participate with ICAC, please visit interfaithAC.org where you can donate and become a member. To donate to upgrade the trailers, please go to https://www.gofundme.com/f/transform-trailers-to-housing.

If anyone is in need of emergency overnight parking, please visit our website or call 510-239-8832.