Oakland, CA – Mayor Libby Schaaf applauded the City Council’s decision Tuesday to award contracts to two local non-profits who will provide social services and site management at Oakland’s first outdoor bridge housing center.
“Every day we make progress to resolve the encampments crisis,” Schaaf said. “The next step is to prepare the first site, make it secure and safe, and then move people off sidewalks and into services.”
The first site will accommodate up to 40 people in Tuff Shed shelters in a secured location and provide supportive services to clients for several months. City staff has identified several different locations that are in proximity to existing encampments.
The first location – which has yet to be determined – is also the only one currently budgeted.
The Council approved $200,000 to Bay Area Community Services (BACS), and $300,000 to Operation Dignity over the course of two years to provide services at the inaugural site.
BACS provides case management and a variety of housing services for individuals who are chronically homeless. Operation Dignity provides outreach and connection to services for unsheltered individuals, including veterans.
The Council’s action also allows the City to accept funds and donations that may become available from Alameda County, neighboring Emeryville, and any other private or corporate sources.