Special Initiatives
In addition to the programs for children, youth, seniors and families, the Department of Human Services develops and implements a variety of activities to meet the changing needs of Oakland’s diverse population.
Historically, the City Council has turned to the Department of Human Services to provide expertise for far-reaching initiatives, including the Homeless Plan , the Five-Year Child Care Plan, and the Violence Prevention Plan.
In this section you will find information about the special programs to support Oakland’s low-income residents, to provide services to parolees and their families, to improve neighborhoods, and to reduce the violence in Oakland communities.
Lower San Antonio Initiative
The Lower San Antonio neighborhood was selected by the Annie E. Casey Foundation as one of their 22 Making Connections project sites. A collaboration of agencies, led by the Urban Strategies Council, is working together to strengthen families and neighborhoods in the San Antonio area of Oakland. DHS is part of the Early Childhood Education Workgroup for this project.
More about the initiative is available from the Urban Strategies Council.
Safe Passages
Safe Passages Early Childhood Strategy (also known as the Oakland Early Childhood Initiative) identifies and supports children from birth to five years old who are exposed to family and community violence or at risk for exposure.
To prevent future violent behavior and victimization, Safe Passages pursues four key strategies:
- Implementation of the Second Step violence prevention curriculum at early childhood education sites;
- Mental Health consultations;
- Parent-child psychotherapy; and
- Coordination of services and providers.
Fomd more information at www.safepassages.org
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)—Free Tax Assistance
Oakland’s low-income residents can receive FREE tax assistance and preparation!
The City of Oakland, in partnership with the Alameda County Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Campaign, provides free tax help at community- based Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Sites (VITA) located throughout the City.
The program runs each year from late January through April 15.
What is the EITC (Earned Income Tax Credit)?
The Earned Income Tax Credit is a refundable tax credit available to working low-income individuals and families. Depending on your family size and income, you may qualify to receive a tax credit check for up to $4,300. [IS THERE A LINK, OR SOMEPLACE THEY CAN GO TO FIND OUT IF THEY QUALIFY? That would be my first question if I were reading this and thought I might qualify]
What is a VITA Site?
VITA sites are certified Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Sites located throughout the Oakland community to assist low-income families and individuals by providing FREE tax preparation.
In addition, you can receive information on other benefits for which your family may qualify: free/low cost health care, the federal nutrition program and financial education.
To find the location of a VITA site in your area call 1-800-258-8832 or visit earnitkeepitsaveit.org.
Sponsored by your local Community Action Agency
