3 years ago Lake Merritt Advocates Coordinators Jennie Gerard, Mary Ellen , John Kirkmire met with representatives of Homeless Activist Working Group, Angela, Talya, Lou Rigali, John Claussen, and began strategizing how to help the city address the overwhelming numbers of homeless now filling parks, street corners, under freeways, vacant lots... the group was soon joined by Naomi Schiff, James Vann, Kathryn
the goals we set were simple and immediate: Advocating policy and action leading to solutions for homelessness.
*Holding Oakland & Alameda County Officials accountable for improving services
*Tracking how and where allocated City and County homeless funding is being spent
* Disseminating and distributing current information affecting the unsheltered population
*Giving voice and dignity to the homeless while advocating for faster transitioning to sheltered housing
*Advocating for daily services and sanitation standards.
TO do this we began meeting every two weeks and kept in communication as situation arose. We lobbied the Oakland City Council, Alameda Board of Supervisors, and nearly every public sector worker who worked in social services effecting the homeless. John Kirkmire created a website to link all of the various agencies and get services coordinated and cross-referenced on a single webpage, he also began posting every relevant published article dealing with the homeless crisis, and photo-archived important meetings when ever possible. Lou Rigali held the meetings at his studio in Jack London Square area. Jennie Gerard with extensive city government experience and connections help to make a path through to the various public officials. James Vann a greatly respected spokesman of the tenants rights community. Naomi Schiff a former Mother of the Year and one of the most notable community activist in Oakland.
the goals we set were simple and immediate: Advocating policy and action leading to solutions for homelessness.
*Holding Oakland & Alameda County Officials accountable for improving services
*Tracking how and where allocated City and County homeless funding is being spent
* Disseminating and distributing current information affecting the unsheltered population
*Giving voice and dignity to the homeless while advocating for faster transitioning to sheltered housing
*Advocating for daily services and sanitation standards.
TO do this we began meeting every two weeks and kept in communication as situation arose. We lobbied the Oakland City Council, Alameda Board of Supervisors, and nearly every public sector worker who worked in social services effecting the homeless. John Kirkmire created a website to link all of the various agencies and get services coordinated and cross-referenced on a single webpage, he also began posting every relevant published article dealing with the homeless crisis, and photo-archived important meetings when ever possible. Lou Rigali held the meetings at his studio in Jack London Square area. Jennie Gerard with extensive city government experience and connections help to make a path through to the various public officials. James Vann a greatly respected spokesman of the tenants rights community. Naomi Schiff a former Mother of the Year and one of the most notable community activist in Oakland.
