The Administration recently released their proposed 2019 budget (despite still not having a 2018 budget). This proposed budget will deny Section 8 Housing Vouchers, already a barely-available resource, with 5+ year wait lists, to a quarter of a million current recipients. Most … Continued
This Valentine’s Day, the day meant more in BOSS than just flowers, candy, and dinner out with a significant other – several people in our community decided it could and should be a day to show love and kinship with … Continued
We are a country divided. We have extreme polarized views on everything from vaccines to gun control. We also have extremes in lifestyle: from individuals so rich they incorporate themselves for protection, to people who must make the horrible choice … Continued
Food insecurity is real. It is far more prevalent than many people think. It impacts individuals, families, and entire communities. That is why it is so important to be involved in the food security movement. To this end, BOSS has … Continued
Living without housing leads to a whole host of health issues. The Alameda County Health Care for the Homeless program knows this all too well. That is why they began their Mobile Health program! This program meets people where they’re … Continued
According to many analysts, the new federal budget could create more homelessness. This news comes on the heels of the fact that wages for women, individuals of color, and especially the people who live at the intersection of both, are still … Continued
“I’ve always been intimidated by computers of any kind,” says BOSS former IPS participant Arthur Brooks. “I just couldn’t understand how to use them, but this time, I really wanted to work for the holidays, so I decided to give … Continued
This last spring BOSS, in collaboration with the Mayor of Berkeley, GRID Alternatives, Rising Sun Energy Center, and the BOSS CTEC Program installed solar panels on our flagship facility, Ursula Sherman Village. And what a difference! This is a new and … Continued
It is getting cold out there. The leaves are turning and falling. There is talk of rain and people are pulling out their coats, sweaters, scarves, and gloves. For many of us our minds automatically turn to Thanksgiving and we … Continued
On October 14th, California Governor, Jerry Brown, Signed into Law a whole host of Housing Bills aimed at making housing more affordable, and getting more of our most at-risk neighbors housed. One such bill was AB 74, the Housing for a … Continued
On Friday, October 27th the community gathered to recognize and celebrate the achievement of over 50 individuals who acquired life-changing careers! The evening felt more like late summer than mid-autumn, and the excitement and support in the air lent additional joy to … Continued
We want to take a moment to express sympathy and solidarity with the people impacted by what is being called the Wine Country Wildfires of 2017. Helping those in housing, economic, and emotional crisis is what BOSS has done for 46 years. … Continued
On October 11th, 2017 California Governor Jerry Brown signed into law a whole host of legislative bills that rewrite how some of our criminal justice processes function. These newly minted laws aim to protect youths from life-long stigma, safeguard their … Continued
The mission of BOSS is to help homeless, poor and disabled people achieve health and self-sufficiency, and to fight against the root causes of poverty and homelessness. To that end, BOSS tries to stay up-to-date on legislation that relates to our … Continued
During the final week of the current California legislative session, lawmakers from both sides of the isle came together and approved over a dozen laws that will positively impact affordable housing in California! Here is a run-down of many of … Continued
On Monday, September 11th the community came together to share stories and discuss barriers to success, and possible solutions to a pervasive issue: felony convictions and the collateral consequences. Participants in the discussion included Alameda County Supervisor Keith Carson, Alameda … Continued
This story is about two young students who are social change agents creating and inspiring others in their school and community and committed to making a difference. Frances and Xiomara, two young middle school students (starting high school this Fall) from … Continued
Summer is marked by beautiful weather, carefree days, and long bike-rides. On June 21st in Downtown Oakland, the first day of summer, 28 BOSS CTEC participants received the gift of self-sufficiency from a local nonprofit, Cycles of Change. Cycles of Change is an … Continued
Since 2014 the BOSS Career Training & Employment Center (CTEC) has been working to bring job seekers and employers together for the benefit for both. Crucial to this process is the relationship between the CTEC program and local businesses. One … Continued
Thirty years ago, during the Regan Administration, a bipartisan effort from both houses of congress banded together to create sweeping legislation that encompassed many support services for individuals experiencing homelessness. What we now know as ‘The McKinney-Vento Act‘ was born out … Continued