Oakland’s “green,” state-of-the-art homeless shelter
On any given day, there are more than 6000 homeless people in Alameda County; half are in Oakland. Earlier this year, after a 10-year effort by its Executive Director, Wendy Jackson, the East Oakland Community Project (EOCP), the largest shelter in Alameda County, moved into its new home. It is believed to be the first facility in the county built specifically as a homeless shelter. Additionally, “Crossroads,” as it is called, is likely the only new, “green” building of its type in the country.
In 2004, as president of the Oakland Association of Realtors, I started “The Sharing Closet” to support EOCP. The concept is simple: buyers and sellers, prior to closing a sale, throw or give away numerous items in good condition that can be valuable to those who have nothing. Although not all donations can be accepted (see their “Wish List”), certain articles are truly needed. High on the list are men’s and women’s clothing suitable for job interviews, children’s clothing, shoes and toys and various types of toiletries and toothpaste.
Our Realtors encourage their clients to set aside these, and anything else they think may be helpful, and drop them off at one of several, convenient, Oakland locations. Happily, as the word has spread, I get calls from local homeowners, not involved in a sale, who have a crib or rocking chair or other things that EOCP’s clients can use.
If you know someone who can contribute, have them contact me through my Web site.