October 2024 E-Newsletter

The Great ShakeOut!

This year, millions around the globe participated in earthquake drills at 10:17 a.m. on October 17th to enhance safety awareness, including out our very own Housing Manager Pam!

Remember: Drop, cover, and hold on. We encourage everyone to schedule their own ShakeOut drill on any day of the year and choose a time that works best for you. Let’s work together to ensure our communities are prepared for the unexpected.

If you would like 211 Alameda County to host a disaster preparedness training session for your organization, please get in touch with Lars Eric Holm, our Disaster Preparedness Coordinator, at leholm@edenir.org.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month



In October, we unite to recognize both the challenges faced by individuals affected by domestic violence and the significant progress made in combating this pervasive issue. This month serves as an opportunity to honor the resilience of survivors and to advocate for continued support and resources. 

We encourage you to reach out to 211 for information on support groups, counseling services, shelter resources, and family justice centers. Together, we can raise awareness and work towards a future free from violence.

You can also find more information by visiting www.acf.hhs.gov/ofvps.

Welcome, Natassia Balderston!

Eden I&R/211 Alameda County is excited to welcome Natassia, our new Development and Outreach Associate, to the team! Before her current position, she worked as the Membership Coordinator at The Long Now Foundation for three years, turning everyday membership interactions into enjoyable experiences.

Natassia lives with her two large Mainecoon cats Nadja and Laszlo, and has a passionate interest in music, art by living artists, and horror movies.

October is Bullying Awareness Month

Bullying is a repeated aggressive behavior that causes harm or intimidation, often involving a power imbalance. It affects people of all ages and can lead to emotional distress and long-term psychological issues.

Hate crimes, which are motivated by prejudice and target individuals based on their identity, are a serious form of bullying that can have devastating effects on communities. 

California vs Hate is a non-emergency hate incident and hate crime reporting system to support individuals and communities targeted for hate. If you witness a hate crime or are a victim of one, go to www.cavshate.org or call 833-8-NO-HATE.

211 Alameda County Community News: Alameda County Emergency Preparedness Day

On Saturday, October 5th, Eden I&R / 211 Alameda County was proud to participate in the 2024 Alameda County Emergency Preparedness Day. Our Disaster Preparedness Coordinator and Development Manager represented the organization at this important event, which County Supervisor Keith Carson organizes every other year in collaboration with the Oakland Firesafe Council.

The Ed Roberts Campus serves as an international model for universal accessibility, catering specifically to the Access and Functional Needs (AFN) community, which has a mission of “building independence from the ground up.” Its prime location, directly across from the Ashby BART station, ensured easy access via public transit for those attending.



At our booth, our Development Manager engaged with community members, answering questions about 211’s everyday functions and our critical role during emergencies and disasters. Alongside us were various nonprofits and government agencies dedicated to educating the public on emergency preparedness, focusing on wildfire safety—an increasingly vital topic in our region.

The event featured a keynote address titled “Home Insurance Matters,” presented by United Policyholders, and training sessions covering vital subjects such as Pet Preparedness, creating Go Bags, and fostering Community Connection. Our Disaster Preparedness Coordinator also conducted two informative sessions on “4 Simple Steps to Preparedness,” emphasizing an all-hazards approach that empowers community members to prepare for various emergencies effectively.

Despite the extreme heat on that day—an emergency preparedness topic in itself—attendance remained robust. Although some transit challenges arose, participants were highly engaged during the training sessions, asking insightful questions and actively participating in discussions.

We are grateful to Supervisor Carson and the Oakland Firesafe Council for organizing this invaluable event. We look forward to continuing our efforts to promote safety and preparedness in our community.

Affordable Housing Opportunity: Sequoia Grove

In case you missed it, Habitat for Humanity East Bay/Silicon Valley is offering 3- and 4-bedroom affordable townhomes at Sequoia Grove in Hayward.

🔑 Income Requirements: Your income must not exceed 80% AMI for Alameda County to qualify. For example:

• 3-person household: Max income $108,750
• 4-person household: Max income $120,800

🎓 Join a Homeowner Orientation: Learn more about this and future opportunities in Alameda, Contra Costa, and Santa Clara counties. Orientations are held every other month via Zoom. Register here

📅 Next Steps: To qualify for the lottery, complete your pre-application, submit a full application for approval, and attend a homeowner orientation by December 31, 2024. Apply here.

💬 Need Assistance? Translation services are available. Call 510-803-3344 for support.

Thank You To Our Partners

Partner Spotlight - A Safe Place

A Safe Place is dedicated to reducing domestic violence by offering victims, survivors, and their children a secure shelter and vital resources. Through outreach and education, they empower at-risk populations and diverse communities to break the cycle of violence.

For more information about A Safe Place, visit their website.

Caller Stories

A senior woman from Fremont called 211 in search of affordable senior housing in Dublin, Livermore, or Fremont at 30% of her income. 211 staff were able to refer her to several housing listings and text the information to her home. Staff also discovered she would benefit from additional support and referred her to her PSPS Care Coordination and Alameda County Transit for transportation resources.



Read more 211 call examples.

211 By the Numbers - September 2024

211 Alameda County:

5,046 conversations handled

15,517 referrals provided



Additional September & Year-To-Date 211 stats

Demographics:

75% female

29% single mothers with minor children

54% living with disabilities

Average Call Length:

7:07 minutes

Average Wait Time:

:58 seconds

Services Database:

61 agency record updates

168 program record updates

Housing Database:

1,490 records updated

Website page views:

35,375

Website Sessions/visitors:

12,229

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 191 referrals to services. Year to date, AHIP has provided assistance to 274 unduplicated clients.

www.edenir.org