"Understanding the Crisis and Promoting Change"
Welcome to the Homelessness Awareness page, where we'll aim to shine a light on a pressing issue that affects our communities deeply. Homelessness is not just a statistic; it’s a complex human experience that impacts individuals and families from all walks of life. Our goal is to raise awareness about homelessness in Oakland, provide valuable data insights, and offer resources to support those in need.
Here, you'll find comprehensive data on homelessness in Oakland, illustrating the demographics, challenges, and needs of our unhoused neighbors. This information is vital in understanding the scope of the crisis and advocating for effective solutions.
Additionally, we are dedicated to sharing resources for those experiencing homelessness or seeking to help. From shelters and food programs to mental health services and job training, we provide a curated list of organizations and initiatives that are making a difference in our community.
Join us in our mission to raise awareness, foster understanding, and drive meaningful change for our unhoused neighbors. Together, we can create a compassionate community that stands up for those who need it most.
Speaking of Homelessness from my last blog I thought it might be a good time to talk about the homeless and their pets. Well, over ten years ago people argued that if a person couldn’t take care of themselves then they weren’t seen fit to care for someone else… not even a pet. Well, it's 2025 and if you're like me then you know resources out there are endless if you search for and utilize them.
So recently I stated volunteering for Taproots, an organization that matches nonprofits to volunteers. I came across “A Chance for Success Newspaper” and their mission is awesome. They’re basically providing employment for homeless individuals and reentries so that they stand a fighting chance to get out of a never-ending cycle. So, with the holidays coming up I got inspired to write a blog for gift ideas for those in need!
Growing up in Oakland, California, as a Mexican American woman, I have always loved the rich mix of cultures that makes this city so special, from the diverse backgrounds and lively music to the delicious food and different points of view. Oakland offers a unique opportunity to explore not only the world around us but also our own identities, which you can’t experience in many other cities. Engaging with such a kaleidoscope of cultures is one of the city’s greatest gifts. Yet, navigating life here or anywhere else can be challenging if you don’t conform to society’s narrow definition of “normal.” This struggle is magnified for those who face the harsh realities of stigma and stereotypes, particularly the homeless. As I reflect on my journey, I aim to shed light on the stories that often go unheard, revealing the strength and resilience that thrive in the shadows of society.
I am not so proud of my city these days…
Being homeless and living on the streets—or even in an RV—feels like being a tiny mouse peeking around corners, perpetually watchful for hungry cats with their predatory eyes and sharp fangs poised to pounce from every direction. In reality, I’ve set up camp, minding my own business and fighting to survive, yet there’s ever-present anxiety in the back of my mind: the city could show up any day with a polite but ruthless ultimatum—“I don’t care where you go; you just have to get the hell out of here.” As someone who prides themselves on being caring and empathetic, it’s jarring to confront the harsh cruelty people can wield against others in vulnerable situations. Until I fell into homelessness, I had never personally experienced discrimination or been treated differently because of my circumstances or demographics. Once I found myself living in my motorhome, I was abruptly thrust into a world where judgment is rampant, and compassion often feels nonexistent. What was once a means of survival became a source of stigma, as I grappled with the reality that the very attempt to seek shelter could invite disdain and hostility rather than understanding.
Don’t get me wrong I live on the streets, but I have a home. My parents have never banned me from their home, I’ve always had their support and whatever help they can afford to give. However, they’re barely making ends meet themselves. When my propane is out or food gets low, I have a home to go to where I can eat and shower, charge my laptop, portable chargers, lights, and phone, get cold and hot water, wash my clothes, and use the restroom. Despite all of this I still struggle. I got my associate's degree while living on the streets and I’m a hustler, I’m not lazy and I think I’m an intelligent woman but sometimes it feels impossible to get out of this hole. Now for just a couple of seconds imagine the people out on the streets who don’t have the keys to their parent's house and are not welcomed in with open arms, who don’t have support or the help that I am blessed enough to have…
Many people fail to recognize the complexity of homelessness, often viewing individuals in these situations through a narrow lens shaped by stereotypes or misconceptions. The harsh reality of being uprooted repeatedly illustrates society's profound lack of empathy. Especially for the more vulnerable unhoused populations such as the elderly, mentally ill, youth, women, and those who are disabled. Later on, I’ll share some stories of people who have died on these streets due to being displaced without receiving any type of resources or alternatives. Living in a motorhome might provide some semblance of stability, but it still places you at the mercy of city regulations and public perception. The fear of being displaced adds another layer of stress, making it difficult to find peace or a sense of belonging. You’re not just trying to survive; you’re also grappling with the emotional toll of being treated as an outsider, a burden, or even an eyesore. So maybe these stories and another look into what life is like on the streets for most of us, might foster understanding and compassion for those who face these challenges. Remember homelessness can happen to anyone due to unforeseen circumstances. I hope my story sheds light on the need for more inclusive and supportive communities that recognize the dignity of each individual, regardless of their living situation. I also hope sharing my experiences can help bridge the gap of understanding and inspire change, leading to more humane policies and attitudes towards homelessness.
My ultimate goal is to do meaningful work within my community for the exact people I live amongst. I start school next semester at Georgetown University School of Continuing Studies but despite this, some self-doubt tends to hold me back. Yes, I have some pretty amazing accomplishments and I have advanced tremendously from where I began, but there’s always that little voice that says “You’re still homeless, no one will take you seriously”. Unfortunately, we often wear the labels of our circumstances and the stigmas that come along with them, at least in society's eyes. This is where the feeling of being less adequate comes into place for me, personally. I can confidently say I have never, not once, been ashamed of my situation or let it define me. However, I have let it make any insecurities I already had as far as my capabilities or the way society views me, hold me back from taking the necessary steps to embark on the career path I see for my future.
Writing is and always has been my passion and being able to use my voice for those that are often left without a say or input of their environment or own well-being, is a tool and a gift I do not plan on wasting. The point of writing and sharing Unhoused and Pushed Around is to shed light on the truth, to break the stigmas and stereotypes that follow those facing housing insecurities, and with hope to give people with no lived experience a reason to view and handle homelessness with more empathy and compassion or at best give them a sense of moral responsibility or reason to want to help when and where they can. To prove that with extra support, opportunities, education, and resources we are capable, ready, and willing, to improve and change our quality of life with the hard work and consistency that’s needed to succeed in life. Above all, I want to remind you all that no one's life is more important or less worthy of everyday essentials, health, love, and a safe place to call home. That no matter how dirty someone’s clothes are, the stability of their mental health, addictions, skills, or any other physical or material detail that we could possibly judge someone for, makes us who we are as a whole. These are not the things that define us or our potential. We are all still someone’s child, we all bleed the same, we all are here for a short period, and whether we like it or not in the eyes of God we are equals. Who deserve equal opportunities and a chance to thrive in life, not just survive. We all deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. We all have feelings, desires, hopes, and dreams.
I heard somewhere that humans often forget that we already know how to survive and yet, we don’t progress in life because our animalistic nature keeps us in survival mode and from pursuing any goal we have that can take us down the road of thriving and living in abundance. Other barriers are a lack of confidence or motivation, and not having a strong support system. Financial barriers and policies that are put in place and set up to make the rich, richer and the poor, poorer. Consider these things when placing personal opinions on others, not just homeless people but anyone you don’t know or haven’t met. I have met remarkable people on the streets, intelligent, and capable. I have heard people's stories that had I never been on the streets would have never had an opportunity to hear or learn from. Like with different cultures or religions, we can learn so much about others, life, and remarkably ourselves if we just sit down with interest and curiosity, instead of judgment, fear, or hate. If we remained in the present moment and actively listened to the world around us with a closed mouth but an open mind, ears, and heart we might change our perspective on life and the world around us and then find that the world around us is changing too.