February 2025 E-Newsletter

🥳Happy 211 Day! 🍕

Each year, on February 11th, we celebrate National 211 Day! Though we appreciate them every day, it's a special opportunity to honor the incredible work of our staff and the vital role 211 plays in connecting people to the resources they need—especially during uncertain times. 

Please join us in thanking our staff on Saturday, February 15th, at Philomena Pizza in Oakland. They are generously hosting a fundraiser for us as a delicious way to make a difference! When you use the code TEAM211, Philomena will generously donate 15% of your net purchase to us.  

Whether you come for brunch, lunch, or dinner, the code works for dine-in, takeout, and delivery—mention it to your server or enter the code at checkout by clicking "add promo code" at PhilomenaPizza.com. Please note that the Promo code is not valid on third-party delivery apps. We hope to see you there!

Location: 1801 14th Ave, Oakland

Hours: 11:00 AM - 10:30 PM 

*Offer valid on 2/15 only

✊🏾Black History Month

The African American Museum and Library at Oakland is dedicated to discovering, preserving, interpreting, and sharing African Americans' historical and cultural experiences in California and the West.

Its reference library houses approximately 12,000 volumes by or about African Americans, covering topics such as religion, the military, Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, and the Black Panther Party. The library is non-circulating, making it a unique resource for researchers, students, and anyone interested in African American history.

📖 To learn more, check upcoming events, or schedule a tour, visit their website.

🌲The Hayward Area Recreation and Park Foundation (HARD) Scholarship

The (HARD) Foundation is proud to offer need-based scholarships to help residents access recreation programs. These scholarships aim to make recreational activities accessible to youth throughout our district. 

Who Can Apply?

• Residents of Hayward, Castro Valley, San Lorenzo, Fairview, Cherryland, and Ashland are eligible to apply.
• Applicants must demonstrate financial need through one of the following: 
• School district free/reduced lunch program 
• CalFresh benefits 
• CalWORKS participation 
• Medi-Cal enrollment 
• Household income below 250% of the Federal Poverty Level (for adult scholarships) 

Key Details:

• One scholarship per person per calendar year. 
• All applications must include the required documentation and a completed program registration form. 
• Scholarships are awarded based on proven need and available funds. 
• All information remains confidential. 

Ready to apply? Download an application in English or Spanish. 

💻 Virtual COVID Grief Group

This winter, Crisis Support Services of Alameda County offers a safe, supportive space for California residents navigating COVID-related grief. Whether it’s the loss of a loved one, health, access, or relationships, you’re not alone.

Wednesdays from 10am to noon starting February 5th until March 26th. Sliding Scale, no one turned away due to lack of funds.



📞 Call 800-260-0094 for more information or to register.

🌈 January Outreach Recap!

This January, our 211 Outreach Team had an incredible time attending multiple events, with a special highlight on the large-scale Alameda County Community Connect Homeless Resource and Job Fair held on Tuesday, January 21st, at the Oakland Coliseum. The event brought together over 900 attendees, offering food, hygiene supplies, clothing, job opportunities, and valuable resource information to those in need. We're thrilled to announce that this impactful event will return in July, and we can't wait to participate again. Watch for the flyer on our social media and newsletter later this year!

Would you like 211 to join your event and share information about our valuable resources?



Contact our Development and Outreach Associate, Natassia at nbalderston@edenir.org for more details and to explore collaboration opportunities. We’d love to connect with you!

Thank You To Our Partners

⚖️ The Family Violence Law Center (FVLC)

The Family Violence Law Center (FVLC) is a lifeline for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in the Bay Area. They offer free legal services, safety planning, crisis support, and counseling to help people find safety and rebuild their lives. Beyond direct support, FVLC is dedicated to educating the community and pushing for policies that prevent violence. FVLC believes everyone deserves to live without fear and works tirelessly to make that a reality.

Visit their website to learn more.

Caller Stories

Emma was unemployed and staying on her friend’s couch in the City of Alameda, but with only 30 days left before she had to move, she needed a new place to stay. Looking for support, she called 211 and spoke with a Community Resource Specialist (CRS), who connected her to essential resources, including several subsidized housing options, the Alameda County Community food bank, and transportation assistance to help her find stability. 

Read more 211 call examples.

211 By the Numbers - January 2025

211 Alameda County:

5,786 conversations handled

16,567 referrals provided



Additional January & Year-To-Date 211 stats

Demographics:

77% female

28% single mothers with minor children

55% living with disabilities

Average Call Length:

6:58 Minutes

Average Wait Time:

58 Seconds

Services Database:

85 agency record updates

160 program record updates

Housing Database:

2,098 records updated

782 Housing Units added

Website page views:

50,877

Website Sessions/visitors:

13,970

AHIP (AIDS Housing Information Project)

AHIP (AIDS Housing Information Project) offers housing and human services resource referrals to People Living with HIV/AIDS via a designated phone line and through one-on-one, in-person assistance at clinics and AIDS Service Organizations.

Last month, AHIP provided 534 housing referrals and 383 referrals to services. Year to date, AHIP has provided assistance to 343 unduplicated clients.

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