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For community resources, please see the list below. And click to download the
The Alameda Multicultural Community Center (AMCC) is a non-profit organization serving the Alameda community through networking, programs and information/referral. It is dedicated to the celebration and support of diverse communities throughout Alameda, with a special focus on the West End. The AMCC provides free meeting space for community and non-profit groups.
ATAH is a Work Group of the Social Services Human Relations Board. ATAH helps sponsor programs and events to promote civility and prevent hate violence. Speakers are available on request. Current interests include spreading the public message that there is "No Room for Hate in Alameda" through posters and public events, such as the 4th of July parade, and supporting a community mediation program to provide early intervention in community disputes.
CARE advocates against acts of racism and seeks to promote racial equality and multicultural awareness in the city of Alameda. On-site at Encinal High School, CARE runs the Multi-Cultural Student Relations Program. In its ninth year of operation, this program engages students in an 18-week diversity workshop that builds Race Relations.
The COPPS unit of the Alameda Police Department organizes Neighborhood Watch units for interested citizens, runs the citizens’ police academy, holds DARE training in Alameda schools, and performs home security checks, and child fingerprinting. COPPS also provides outreach, including public education about elder abuse, domestic violence, and other concerns that the community may have.
HIRT convenes a group of community leaders to publicly respond to reports of bias-motivated incidents, hate crimes, hate violence, and other inter-group conflict as filed by a City official or covered in the media. HIRT identifies actions to remedy the immediate situation, ensures that affected parties have access to needed information and supportive services, and evaluates responses to incidents of hate in Alameda.
Formed in 1909, by a multiracial group of progressive thinkers, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is a non-profit organization established with the objective of insuring the political, educational, social and economic equality of minority groups. The NAACP has as its mission the goal of eliminating race prejudice and removing all barriers of racial discrimination through democratic processes.
Out on the Island, or OOTI, is a network of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered people living in Alameda, California. All members are volunteers, and it’s free to join.
The Alameda Adult School provides lifelong educational opportunities and services to meet the unique needs of adult learners. The school program provides adults with the knowledge and skills necessary to participate effectively as productive citizens, workers, parents, and family members. Programs offered include: adult literacy, GED testing, English as a second language, career technical education, programs for older adults, and family literacy.
With three citywide locations, the Alameda Free Library offers Internet and email access to the public.
The Alameda One-Stop Business and Career Center, hosted by the College of Alameda, offers free employment services to job seekers and employees. The Center offers a variety of services to individuals of all ages and abilities, and to businesses of all sizes and types. The Center also collaborates with more than 20 local community based and governmental organizations to ensure that employment, training, and other workforce-related services are provided in an efficient and seemless manner. The Center provides ob listings, free fax, phone, and copiers, as well as computer resources such as on-line career assessment software and free Internet access. The Center also provides a range of employer services including on-site recruiting, job posting, no-charge career fairs, and links to a diversified candidate pool.
The Mastick Senior Center provides a well-rounded social recreation program for active seniors. Mastick houses a variety of programs & services in the areas of health, education and recreation. At Mastick, persons 50 and over enjoy its pleasant surroundings while sharing many new and interesting experiences with their contemporaries. Many share the spirit of volunteerism, with 185 volunteers dedicated to keeping Mastick bustling seven days a week with quality programs, classes & services.
24-Hour Crisis Hotline: (510) 845-7273. BAWAR provides confidential counseling, operates a 24-hour crisis line for survivors of sexual assault, accompanies survivors of sexual assault to hospitals, police stations, and court, and offers a range of other intervention and prevention services. Community education programs and training for professionals are also available.
There is no safe house in Alameda for those who need refuge from domestic violence. Help is available through one of the following 24-hour crisis lines. It may be safer for people who need refuge to go to a safe house further from their home.
1. Alameda Police Department (Non-emergency) (510) 337-8340
2. Building Futures with Women and Children-San Leandro 1-866-292-9688 (1-866-A WAY OUT)
3. DreamCatcher Emergency Shelter (serving Runaway & Homeless Youth) (510) 839-0929
4. A Safe Place-Oakland (510) 536-7233
5. Emergency Shelter-Hayward (510) 786-1246 or (888) 339-SAFE
6. La Casa de Las Madres-San Francisco (415) 503-0500
7. S.A.V.E-Fremont (510) 794-6055
8. Stand-Concord (888) 215-5555
The Family Violence Law Center (FVLC) provides family law attorney service in English and Spanish for domestic violence victims in Alameda County and can provide referrals for legal services in other jurisdictions. Services include: civil restraining orders; child custody, visitation and support; and divorce involving an abusive spouse. All FVLC legal services are offered on a sliding scale, based on a client’s income. No one will be turned away for a lack of funds.
Restraining orders can not only restrain the offender from continuing abuse, but also direct the offender to leave the household and stay away from the victim’s home, school, or place of employment. A restraining order may also award custody of children to a safe place, and direct each party to participate in counseling. There is no fee for restraining orders. 24-Hour Crisis Hotlines and Safe Shelter Referrals There is no safe house in Alameda for those who need refuge from domestic violence. Help is available through one of the following 24-hour crisis lines. It may be safer for people who need refuge to go to a safe house further from their home.
The Alameda Alliance for Health is a public, not-for-profit managed care health plan committed to making high quality health care services accessible and affordable to lower-income people of Alameda County. Established in January 1996, the Alliance was created by and for Alameda County residents to provide health care coverage to over 100,000 children and adults through their Medi-Cal, Healthy Families, Alliance Group Care, and Alliance CompleteCare programs.
Alameda Family Services is a human services organization active in Alameda and the East Bay, whose programs improve the emotional, psychological and physcial health of children youth and families. Alameda Family Services' programs include: New Parent Support, Head Start, School-Based Health Centers, Homeless Youth Services, Counseling, Drug and Alcohol Treatment, and a Clinical Training Program for psychology and social work graduate students.
Alameda Hospital is a general acute-care hospital that offers a broad range of services including 24-hr emergency care, wellness programs and outpatient services. Alameda Hospital participates in nearly all major health plans including HMOs and PPOs. A variety of programs and services focus on improving the health status of the community.
ACMHS offers services in behavioral health care, developmental disabilities, and family support.
Four Bridges is a day rehabilitation program for individuals with mental illness or emotional problems. Four Bridges offers a wide range of pre-vocational, social, educational, and recreational activities that promote independent living, community integration, wellness, and recovery for members. Administered by Bay Area Community Services, the program operates Mondays and Fridays from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm.
Healthy Families is low-cost insurance that provides health, dental and vision coverage to children who do not have insurance today and do not qualify for no-cost Medi-Cal. Members pay a premium each month of $4 to $24 for each child, or no more than $72 for a family. Members also pay a co-payment (usually $5 to $15) when they go to the doctor or get other services. Some services are free.
With the Kaiser Permanente Child Health Plan, parents can give their children health care for $8 or $15 per child, per month, for up to three children, depending on family size and income. Additional children are covered at no extra premium.
The California School of Professional Psychology’s Service Center provides assessment and psychotherapy services for children and adults. Medi-Cal is accepted and fees are assessed on a sliding scale. The Family and Violence Institute provides individual, group, and family therapy for victims, witnesses and/or perpetrators of family violence.
The School-Based Health Centers utilize a multidisciplinary approach in order to promote the health and well being of youth. By offering free medical, mental health, health education, and youth development services on school grounds, the Health Centers break down barriers that can prevent youth from accessing care.
Encinal High's School-Based Health Center can be reached at (510) 748-4085, ext. 0.
SEEDS Community Resolution Center helps people find solutions to community issues and problems. The organization offers a variety of mediation, facilitation and training programs and services to residents and businesses in Alameda County.
The Alameda Adult School provides lifelong educational opportunities and services to meet the unique needs of adult learners. The school program provides adults with the knowledge and skills necessary to participate effectively as productive citizens, workers, parents, and family members. Programs offered include: adult literacy, GED testing, English as a second language, career technical education, programs for older adults, and family literacy.
The Alameda One-Stop Business and Career Center, hosted by the College of Alameda, offers free employment services to job seekers and employees. The Center offers a variety of services to individuals of all ages and abilities, and to businesses of all sizes and types. The Center also collaborates with more than 20 local community based and governmental organizations to ensure that employment, training, and other workforce-related services are provided in an efficient and seemless manner. The Center provides ob listings, free fax, phone, and copiers, as well as computer resources such as on-line career assessment software and free Internet access. The Center also provides a range of employer services including on-site recruiting, job posting, no-charge career fairs, and links to a diversified candidate pool.
The program teaches basic reading and writing skills to English-speaking adults aged 16 and over. Services are free of charge. Services are provided by trained volunteers. Contact the office for more information about volunteer opportunities. The office is open Monday through Friday from 9am to 1pm.
The Department helps Californians with disabilities obtain and retain employment and maximize their ability to live independently. Services for job-seekers include but are not limited to career education and training, job search and interview skills, career assessment and counseling, transportation, independent living skills, and assistive technology. Services for employers include assessing and recommending actions to make a reasonable accommodation to hire a qualified person.
CIL provides personal assistant referrals, deaf and blind services, employment services, financial benefits counseling, information and referral, and independent living skills training and services to people with disabilities. An advocate is available for those receiving services from the Department of Rehabilitation.
The College offers degrees and targeted short-term training in numerous vocational areas, including apparel design and merchandising, automotive technology, aviation maintenance, computer information systems, dental assisting, and diesel mechanics. The college’s English as a Second Language program has multiple ongoing offerings. Through a substantial CalWORKS program, the College assists CalWORKS participants to access training and other supportive services. The College is a founder and the host of the Alameda One-Stop Business and Career Center, located on the upper floor of the College library.
Eden I&R (Information & Referral) serves as a link between Alameda County families or individuals and the full range of community resources available to them. Eden I&R is well known as the resource for information on, and referral to, low cost housing, emergency shelter, and over 1,270 social service agencies for Alameda County residents.
The Alameda Food Bank provides nutritious food to eligible low-income residents of Alameda on a non-discriminating, no-cost basis.
The City of Alameda sponsors several rehabilitation programs providing loans, grants, and/or technical assistance to homeowners and landlords. Assistance is available to develop or conserve housing stock for low- and moderate- income residents, create new affordable rental units in existing vacant or underutilized structures, correct code deficiencies, or perform minor emergency home repairs. Accessibility modification grants and/or loans are also available to assist eligible persons with disabilities in making modifications to their residence, allowing the individual to attain greater mobility and remain safely in their home.
Alameda Point Collaborative (APC) is a nonprofit organization that is providing 200 transitional and permanent housing units at the former Alameda Naval Air Station for some 500 individuals and families who have been homeless. APC was formed from an association of six housing developers and homeless service providers. APC provides property management for housing units and also support services on site. Supportive services include mental health counseling, youth programs, employment training, job placement, basic life skills training, housing placement, and chemical addiction recovery treatment. APC also provides warehouse and office space to other community nonprofits such as the City of Alameda Food Bank, the City of Alameda American Red Cross, the Bay Area American Red Cross, Kids Take the Stage and a community garden. APC also plans to provide a community arts center and a retail plant nursery.
The Alameda Service Center serves as an entry point for any Alamedan needing basic services, eviction prevention, or other emergency assistance. In addition to providing prompt referrals for assistance, the Red Cross itself provides food, rent assistance, utility bill assistance, bus tickets, baby supplies, case management services to those in danger of becoming homeless, and referrals for child care vouchers.
As part of its commitment to affirmatively further fair housing, the City of Alameda contracts with ECHO to provide information to tenants and landlords on their housing rights and responsibilities. Additionally, ECHO has trained mediators to assist in resolving housing disputes through conciliation and mediation. The primary objective of the Landlord/Tenant and Fair Housing Counseling programs is to build awareness of housing laws and further fair housing. For information on Alameda County's Mandatory Rent Mediation Notification and Rent Mediation Services, go to the Links page, or email rentmediation@echofairhousing.com.
Low-income Alameda households can receive assistance with their utility bills through several programs administered by the Alameda Red Cross. Project EASE assists low-income Alamedans to pay current or overdue payments on their electricity bills from Alameda Municipal Power. The maximum assistance over a three-year period is $200. Through the Energy Assistance Program, Alameda households can have an AMP representative visit their home to perform an energy audit. Qualifying low-income households may receive free energy-efficient light bulbs, replacement of non-energy efficient refrigerators, weatherization, and other energy conservation assistance. Low-income participants may also receive up to 25% off their energy bill for one year. The REACH program, administered by the Salvation Army at the Red Cross Service Center, helps low-income Alamedans with their PG&E gas bills. PG&E also offers the CARE program for low-income Alamedans. Call 1-800-743-5000 for information on the PG&E
financial assistance programs.
The City is an active member of EveryOne Home (Continuum of Care Council), which coordinates research, planning, and application of resources to address homelessness within Alameda County. Through EveryOne Home, the City of Alameda supports the provision of service-enriched housing for the homeless and special needs populations, including victims of domestic violence, veterans, and persons with HIV/AIDS.
Founded in 1998, First Place for Youth was the first organization in Northern California to provide affordable housing and supportive services to former foster youth, and today is considered a national model for providing permanent housing for high risk youth. The agency works to ensure that all foster youth throughout the state of California have the opportunity to experience a safe, supported transition from foster care. Through a housing program, an employment and academic enrichment program, counseling, youth community center, collaboration with other community agencies, and community education, First Place helps youth to gain the skills they need to live independently and succeed on their own.
The City of Alameda is a member of the Alameda County Lead Poisoning Prevention Program. This Joint Powers Agency is partially funded by a $10/unit assessment on residential units constructed before 1978. The Program provides information and technical assistance to prevent lead poisoning and reduce residential lead hazards such as lead-based paint, soil and dust. People of all income levels are eligible for free lead paint test kits, environmental testing, abatement planning, and referrals for blood lead screening. Mixed-use or commercial property technical assistance is available from City staff by calling (510) 747-6897.
Voice: 1-866-292-9688 (1-866-A WAY OUT) (24-Hour Crisis Line) Voice: (510) 357-0205 x. 114 (volunteer line). The Midway Shelter is the only emergency homeless shelter in Alameda. Operated by Building Futures with Women and Children and owned by the Alameda Homeless Network, Midway provides temporary emergency shelter and meals to women and children. The 25 beds are assigned on first come, first served basis through the crisis line only; intake is not done on-site. Support groups, children’s activities, job and housing placement, and other case management services are a core part of the program. Alameda volunteers provide hot meals daily and donate their services to maintain the facility; anyone interested is encouraged to call the volunteer line.
Renters in the City of Alameda who receive notice of a large rent increase can request review and mediation by the Rent Review Advisory Committee. The Committee listens to the renter’s and owner’s views about the rent increase and discuss whether the amount is fair under all the circumstances. Participation in the RRAC meeting is voluntary and recommendations are non-binding. The Committee, comprised of an equal number of tenants and landlords and one homeowner, has successfully mediated more than 250 cases of rental increases, obtaining commitments from property owners to rescind, roll back, or otherwise restructure disputed rental increases.
There is no safe house in Alameda for those who need refuge from domestic violence. However, Building Futures with Women and Children, the City’s partner for the Midway Shelter, provides shelter and counseling in a confidential safe house for women and children. Anyone seeking refuge from domestic violence is encouraged to call the 24-Hour Crisis Line.
The Alameda Food Bank provides nutritious food to eligible low-income residents of Alameda on a non-discriminating, no-cost basis.
CIL provides personal assistant referrals, deaf and blind services, employment services, financial benefits counseling, information and referral, and independent living skills training and services to people with disabilities. An advocate is available for those receiving services from the Department of Rehabilitation.
The Mastick Senior Center provides a well-rounded social recreation program for active seniors. Mastick houses a variety of programs & services in the areas of health, education and recreation. At Mastick, persons 50 and over enjoy its pleasant surroundings while sharing many new and interesting experiences with their contemporaries. Many share the spirit of volunteerism, with 185 volunteers dedicated to keeping Mastick bustling seven days a week with quality programs, classes & services.
511 is a toll-free phone and Web service that consolidates Bay Area transportation-related information into a one-stop resource. This service provides up-to-the-minute information on traffic conditions and incidents, details on public transportation routes and fares, instant carpool and vanpool referrals, bicycling information and more. A speech recognition system allows navigation through the 511 system without pressing a button. The online version of the public transportation information service features the 511 Public Transit Trip Planner.
Bike Alameda advocates improved cycling conditions throughout Alameda. Check the web site or call about upcoming events and organizing activities.
Pedestrian Friendly Alameda is a coalition of concerned citizens focusing on pedestrian safety issues, working with community-based organizations and city officials to make pedestrian safety a top priority.
Public transit operators in the Bay Area offer qualified persons with disabilities and senior citizens the Regional Transit Connection (RTC) discount card. The card entitles riders to a reduced fare on fixed-route public transit systems throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. For specific fare and application information in the Alameda area, contact A.C. Transit and BART.
