OAKLAND, CA – On Wednesday, March 5th, BOSS staff gathered with Alameda County partners and residents from Washington Inn in downtown Oakland for a special ribbon-cutting event to announce the newest addition to BOSS’ housing portfolio – proudly continuing BOSS’ legacy to Turn Lives Around.
A collaboration between BOSS (who will provide on-site resident services) and Alameda County Behavioral Health Housing Services (who sought a partner to provide Bridge Housing for homeless people experiencing severe mental health needs), Washington Inn offers supported independent living for up to 44 men and women.
BOSS staff provide on-site case management, clinical mental health services, housing navigation, and support for other life skills and quality of life activities.
BOSS has a 54 YEAR LEGACY of serving individuals with mental illness, having been founded to provide street outreach and crisis intervention to the newly emerging population of homeless mentally ill individuals in 1971. Since that time BOSS has provided emergency shelter, interim housing, and permanent housing for this population, as well as clinical mental health services, medication monitoring, care coordination with other therapists and health care providers, peer support groups and activities, basic needs assistance, and needed referrals.
“We are proud to be in collaboration with the County, and we plan to rebrand Washington Inn away from its label as a hotel, raising its profile as a program that offers dignity and respect to homeless community members.” - BOSS CEO Donald Frazier
Schalan Woods and Santi Soumpholphakdy from Alameda County Behavioral Health shared personal memories of the space and emphasized the County’s commitment to creating Bridge Housing.
“We are excited that BOSS, under Donald’s leadership, was able to find and repurpose this beautiful building, right downtown. This program serves a challenging population, and experience shows us that when you create places for people to get off the streets within the neighborhoods where they live and feel safe instead of far away, they come inside,” – Schalan Woods, Alameda County Behavioral Health | Housing Services Director
The Washington Inn Program Manager Tamara Rouse introduced the team and shared that the newly opened program currently serves four residents, with three more referrals scheduled for move-in shortly, and the numbers will continue to grow. Donald then cut the ribbon in front of the building and invited all guests to tour the program with Lisa H. Williams, BOSS Strategy & Program Officer.
THE SOLUTION TO HOMELESSNESS IS HOUSING – YOU CAN HELP!
BOSS will continue to pursue opportunities to create more housing in our community: emergency, interim, and permanent. There are many ways to help:
DONATE to BOSS Housing Security programs, which provide life-changing support to homeless people daily!
Donate welcome baskets (bedding, kitchen items, household cleaning supplies, etc.) for people moving into new housing! Contact Gwen Austin, BOSS Community Engagement Manager, at gaustin@self-sufficiency.org.
Volunteer in a BOSS shelter, helping with resident activities or administrative projects. Contact John Darby at jdarby@self-sufficiency.org.
Have property that can be repurposed as emergency, interim or permanent housing for those in need? Contact BOSS CEO Donald Frazier at dfrazier@self-sufficiency.org.
Contact your City council member and tell them you support the creation and protection of affordable housing, even in your neighborhood!
Thank you for helping to TURN LIVES AROUND!
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