by JR Valrey
In 2014, local leaders, non-profits and community groups collaborated to reclaim and revitalize Black spaces. The Black Cultural Zone Community Development Corporation (BCZ CDC) was established in 2019 as a place-keeping strategy of the East Oakland Black Cultural Zone, focusing on development – community, economic, neighborhood and commercial – and centering Black arts and culture as we build collective power for our community. Today, BCZ CDC is a thriving, multifaceted nonprofit organization.
Keep People Housed – Oakland is an organization that operates within BCZ CDC and is committed to preventing Oakland residents from losing their housing by providing legal representation, emergency financial assistance and supportive services. Oakland residents experiencing a housing crisis and have a household income at or below 30% of the Area Median Income are eligible, with priority to extremely low-income households. Legal representation will be provided to tenants with an active eviction lawsuit up to 50% AMI.
“The biggest obstacle (to keeping people housed) that I’ve observed is that a significant portion of people seek assistance only after losing their housing,” explains Princeton Maharam of Keep People Housed – Oakland.
“Our program intentionally focuses on preventing housing loss. I believe people experience panic and defeat when faced with the anxiety of losing their shelter. They often seek independent solutions to maintain their dignity and autonomy, but unfortunately, these efforts aren’t always successful.”
Oakland was engaged in a special election after the recall of Mayor Sheng Tao late last year, followed by the election this year of former Congresswoman Barbra Lee for mayor. Oakland’s pro-renter policies are giving way to pro-landlord policies, considering that downtown is collapsing and the city is in serious debt.
The losing mayoral top contender was Loren Taylor, and he is the landlord of many different units in Oakland, and was being funded within his Empower Oakland organization by out of town real estate interests who are interested in changing Oakland’s history from a blue collar city to a playground for the financial elite. This is being camouflaged behind “a need to fight crime,” although major crime was down last year.
Keep People Housed – Oakland gets the word out about their services through a myriad of ways including social media, tabling at the Town’s many festivals throughout the year, and the Neighborhood Messengers program that engages people directly in highly susceptible areas.
“We open our Welcome Center several days a week, offering friendly, in-person help with the application process. We know many folks don’t have easy access to phones, computers or the internet, which can make applying for assistance incredibly difficult,” says Princeton Maharam of Keep People Housed – Oakland.
“So, we provide those resources in a welcoming and safe space. What’s truly important to us is creating a supportive environment where everyone feels respected and heard, and where we can work together with patience and understanding.”
With the onslaught of real estate corporations buying up residential real estate in Oakland in bulk, the end of this phenomenon is nowhere in sight.
“If you’re worried about losing your home, struggling with your utilities, or facing any housing challenges, please reach out to us. We’re here to help. You can email us at Info@blackculturalzone.org, or feel free to contact me directly at Princeton@blackculturalzone.org.
“And if you know someone who could use our support, please share this information with them — you could make a real difference. We truly believe we’re all in this together. Our city becomes stronger and more vibrant when we lift each other up with kindness, patience and genuine care,” laments Princeton Maharam of Keep People Housed – Oakland.
JR Valrey is a veteran journalist who can be heard weekly on Wednesdays on 89.5FM KPOO or KPOO.com from noon to 3 p.m.. His work can also be heard on www.blockreportradioworld.com.
