Adults & Families
We are committed to improving the health, safety and quality of life for Oakland’s children and youth.
Teaming up with parents, staff, and community partners, we offer programs that foster early childhood development and education, support families, and help with young children’s readiness for school. Our holistic approach integrates health, nutrition, early literacy, parenting education, adult literacy, and mental health services for low-income children and their families.
Homeless and Hungry
An array of programs provide housing and services to people in Oakland who are homeless, hungry, HIV/AIDS positive, or living on extremely low incomes. Services include Emergency Housing, Winter Relief, Emergency Winter Shelter, Homeless Mobile Outreach, Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS, and more.
The Hunger program distributes brown bag meals; coordinates food for hot meal programs; and sponsors special events each year, such as the Annual Thanksgiving Dinner and Project Homeless Connect. The special events are funded almost entirely through donations and volunteer efforts coordinated by staff.
Multipurpose Senior Services Program (MSSP)
The goal of MSSP is to help seniors continue living safely and independently in their own homes. Each senior is assigned a nurse and social worker who assess needs and provide ongoing care management.
Violence Prevention and Public Safety—Oakland Unite
Funded by Measure Y, the Violence Prevention and Public Safety Act of 2004, creates a safe Oakland by dramatically reducing violence among youth and adults. Oakland Unite is a comprehensive and multifaceted effort weaving together social services, nonprofits, police, employment, schools, criminal justice, faith-based agencies and community members at the neighborhood level.
Oakland Paratransit for the Elderly and Disabled (OPED)
Taxis and wheelchair-lift vans provide transit to medical appointments, shopping and other activities for residents of Oakland and Piedmont who cannot access public transportation.
