“Financial counseling” sounds a lot more appealing when it comes with free massages, pastries, and books.
You can get all of that and more for free at a “pop-up care village” on Friday outside City Hall in downtown Oakland. Hosted by non-profit LavaMaeX, the city of Oakland, and other organizations, the event will feature numerous resources—including housing, health, hygiene, and employment services—geared toward unhoused residents. LavaMaeX, which operates mobile showers in Oakland, hosts resource fairs like this one periodically.
What: A “pop-up care village” resource fair where visitors can access free services
Where: Oakland City Hall, 1 Frank Ogawa Plaza
When: Friday, Sept. 24, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The idea of the event is to congregate many different services and providers in one place, making it easier and more convenient for Oakland residents to access resources that are typically offered at different locations and through different processes.
At the care village, visitors will be able to connect with case management, rental assistance, shelter services, COVID-19 vaccines, financial counseling, paid volunteer opportunities, pet care, and more, according to LavaMaeX. People who drop by the fair can also pick up free clothing, books,DVDs, a library card, and coffee. City and county agencies will be present, along with several local nonprofits.
Organizers say they believe everyone deserves “extraordinary care” regardless of their background or circumstances.
See the full list of services coming Friday. Volunteer opportunities are available as well.
