Spanish-Speaking Unity Council Of Alameda County Inc

The Community Programs Department is dedicated to supporting youth, adults, and seniors in achieving and maintaining stable economic, career, health, and housing outcomes. in 2024, the department served 6,717 clients through a wide range of holistic, culturally responsive services. Key program areas included: 1) youth achievement and wellness programs for middle and high school students; 2) employment and financial coaching resources for adults and youth; 3) small business assistance; 4) food distribution; 5) senior wellness programming; 6) housing access services; and 7) resident services offered in affordable housing communities. Services were offered in English, Spanish, and Mam. Achievements include the direct distribution of $174,000 in stipends to support economic stability for program participants, as well as the provision of 34,234 emergency-prepared meals to unhoused individuals and residents without access to cooking facilities, addressing immediate food insecurity and basic nutritional needs. Additionally, the department also successfully launched Resident Services at the newly opened Casa Sueos affordable housing development, serving as the lead service provider to support community integration, stability, and long-term wellbeing for new residents.

In FY 202324, the Unity Councils Real Estate Development Department advanced its mission to construct and preserve affordable housing in Oakland through strong collaboration with financial and public partners and experienced consultants. Major milestones included the completion of Juntos Fruitvale, a renovation project transforming a landmark property at 3357 International Boulevard into a three-story, 20,000-square-foot cultural arts center offering affordable workspace, small business support, and community event space. The department also celebrated the completion of Casa Sueos, a 181-unit affordable housing development co-developed with Bridge Housing, featuring 46 supportive housing units and 75 apartments subsidized by the Oakland Housing Authoritys Project-Based Section 8 Program. Casa Sueos now houses CURYJ (Communities United for Restorative Youth Justice) and brought together Unity Council departments such as Housing Access and Head Start, providing direct application assistance to 40 families. Additionally, construction began on the East 12th Street project, a 91-unit affordable housing development near Lake Merritt, with 23 units reserved for formerly homeless households. This project is being co-developed with EBALDC and Jordan Real Estate Investments, furthering the shared commitment to safe, healthy, and permanent affordable housing in Oakland.