January 2024 E-Newsletter

Medi-Cal Expansion

A new law in California began on January 1, 2024, expanding MediCal to more people ages 26 through 49, regardless of immigration status. This new law means that all California residents who qualify for Medi-Cal based on other criteria are eligible for full Medi-Cal benefits.

Eden I&R is pleased to provide Medi-Cal application support to new or reapplying households. If you would like help with your Medi-Cal application, please contact our Benefits Coordinator at 650-331-3853 or benefitscoord@edenir.org to schedule an appointment.

No-Cost Tax Preparation

The 2024 tax season is here! The City of Oakland is providing no-cost tax preparation for low-moderate income residents. Those interested should gather their documents AND make a personal appointment for 2023 tax preparation! 

Join the city’s Grand Opening Celebration on Thursday, February 1, from 1:00 -1:30 pm at the West Oakland Public Library at 1801 Adeline Street, Oakland. Help the city celebrate this grand opening and enjoy a light meal with your IRS-certified Tax preparers. Call 510-241-9141 to schedule an appointment.

Winter Vaccine Information

Looking for the latest information on COVID-19 for Alameda County? Visit http://covid-19.acgov.org to find everything you need, from infection data to where to get vaccinated.

The Alameda County Health Department's website also has great tips for keeping healthy this winter and beyond.

Winter Storm Preparedness

This winter has brought cold and wet weather with it. Having the most up-to-date and trusted information is crucial so you and your neighbors can be ready for flooding, winds, power outages, and more. Go to listoscalifornia.org/resources for storm preparedness tips and more.

The new year is also the perfect time to sign up for AC Alert! Visit http://acalert.org or download the Everbridge app on your smartphone to receive critical information in the event of a local emergency or critical incident near you and provide information on what protective actions you may need to take.

Job & Volunteer Openings

Visit our job portal here to discover new roles.



Volunteers: As an Eden I&R / 2-1-1 Alameda County volunteer, you can help connect people to valuable resources in the community. Get involved.

Board Service: If you are interested in board service, please get in touch with Eden I&R’s Executive Director, Alison DeJung, at adejung@edenir.org. You can learn more about the role here.

Community Outreach

Team 211 Alameda County attended Pleasanton's Emergency Preparedness Make a Difference Festival on Saturday, January 13th. It was a day to "Get Connected and Stay Connected" through volunteerism and community service. There were over 40 local nonprofits there, and it was an excellent opportunity to show the community how 211 can help them daily and in emergencies. Check out a few highlights below!

If you are a community organization that would like our Disaster Preparedness Coordinator, Lars Eric Holm, to host a training for your group, please contact him at leholm@edenir.org.

A Hayward man called 211 seeking utility payment assistance because he was behind on his bills. 211 staff provided referrals to PG&E's Energy Payment Assistance and Billing Plans and Low-income Home Energy Assistance Program (through Spectrum Community Services).

Read more 211 call examples.

211 By the Numbers - December 2023

211 Alameda County:

5,238 conversations handled

11,972 referrals provided

Additional December & Year-To-Date 211 stats

Demographics:

73% female

27% single mothers with minor children

55% living with disabilities

Average Call Length:

7:02 minutes

Average Wait Time:

0:57 seconds

Services Database:

22 agency record updates

122 program record updates

Housing Database:

41 units added

1,732 records updated

Website page views:

35,740

Website Sessions/visitors:

11,893

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 493 housing referrals and 28 referrals to services. AHIP completed 2 permanent housing placements. Year to date, AHIP has provided assistance to 291 unduplicated clients.

"Thank you all for the services you provide. I appreciate what

you do for the community."

Partner Spotlight - Youth ALIVE!



This National Mentoring Month, we are highlighting Youth ALIVE!'s work. Since 1991, as mentors, youth leaders, counselors, case managers, intervention specialists, and violence interrupters, Youth ALIVE! has worked to help violently wounded people heal themselves and their communities. Their mission is to break the cycle of violence and uplift a thriving community of leaders rooted in Oakland and beyond through prevention, intervention, healing, and advocacy.

Learn more about their work by visiting their website.

www.edenir.org