June 6, 2020 Oakland, CA – Aisha, a single mother to her 2 young children have moved from living out of their car in the Interfaith Council of Alameda County’s (ICAC) Safe Car Park program, and into a tiny home at the ICAC hub in West Oakland with a kitchen and bathroom with shower.
Despite working two jobs, Aisha was homeless before COVID-19 reached the Bay Area due to the high cost of living. Aisha has since lost both jobs due to the Coronavirus pandemic and has been living out of her car for over 6 months. She has consistently parked 7 nights a week with ICAC’s Safe Car Park Program with provided security, snacks, access to port-o-potties, a wash station, and shower & laundry services once a week. Surgical masks are also provided.
“I am very grateful to have been in ICAC’s Safe Car Park Program which has led to being able to move into this tiny home,” said Aisha. “Next step, permanent housing.”
Pastor Ken Chambers, of West Side Missionary Baptist Church and President of the Board of Directors for the Interfaith Council of Alameda County, said, “Through the COVID-19 pandemic and the global protests against police brutality and injustice in America, ICAC continues to press forward to help those who are unhoused through its Safe Car Park and Tiny Homes Programs. We are delighted to be able to help Aisha and her family.”
Two years ago, ICAC Laney College carpentry students built 2 tiny homes that have been housed at the ICAC hub, originally occupied by students. Since then, the students housed in the tiny homes have increased their GPAs and one student became student council president while the other 2 students have now graduated and are entering bachelor’s degree programs at 4-year institutions.
To learn more about the Interfaith Council of Alameda County, visit interfaithAC.org.
Contact: Rev. Ken Chambers, 510-239-6969, interfaithcouncilac@gmail.com
The mission of the Interfaith Council of Alameda County is to promote mutual respect, understanding and engagement among the diverse faith traditions in Alameda County, California; mobilize people to serve the community; support religious liberties; promote interfaith organizations and activities; and build a just and moral community.