Is a mitzvah or a donation to a charity part of your holiday gift-giving tradition? Over the past months, a large number of local charities and nonprofits had their budgets cut by local, state, and federal government agencies. In the process of recovering from this dramatic change, many of these organizations could use a donation for the holidays. For this reason, David Waggoner, managing attorney at the Homeless Action Center in Oakland, was happy to list nine Bay Area agencies besides his own that need donations.
Homelessness prevention
When it comes to preventing homelessness, the Dolores Street Community Services is far-reaching and in desperate need of donations. Included in this umbrella organization are the Valencia Community Center, Mission SRO Collaborative, Community Planning and Development, Dolores Housing Program, Richard M. Cohen Residence, and the Immigrant Legal and Education Network .
Calling an end to foreclosures and evictions, another homelessness prevention service hard at work is Causa Justa. In addition to cash donations, they are also seeking office supplies, equipment, and furniture.
Worker's rights advocacy
When you are young, the only jobs you can get are usually attached to the food service industry. However, in the Bay Area's local high rent economy, abuses toward workers such as withheld pay are an immeasurable crime. Despite this, winning over a half a million dollars in back pay for local youth is not the only project Young Workers United fulfills for the youngest people in the workforce.
Along with a cash donation, you can also purchase T-shirts, hoodies, or a documentary that explains their cause called "Eyes on the Fries: Young Workers in the Service Economy."
Reducing community violence
Organizations that seek to reduce violence in the Bay Area have many needs and not enough financial resources. Nonetheless, Maitri offers victims of domestic violence and human trafficking services in a multitude of languages. Also, Community United Against Violence works to ensure that LGBTQQ people in the Bay Area and around the world have a more tolerant world to live in.
Finally, Homies Unidos is a nonprofit that works to break the cycle of gang participation. They are currently still seeking the funds needed to expand their services further into the Bay Area.
Health care for those at risk
At the St. James Infirmary, they believe in meeting those seeking health care with the most compassion possible. This means giving specialized and dignified medical services to severely under-represented communities. Over the past year, this organization has compiled an extensive wish list of items they need in additional to a traditional cash donation.
Help the homeless and disabled
In the blink of an eye, a misunderstanding over a lease or a fire can cause anyone to become homeless. Worse, the sudden onset of an unpredictable disability such as mental illness or Alzheimer's can take down anyone with any amount of savings and investments. As resources dwindle, it is good to know that someone is out there representing your rights and actively helping you to get back on your feet.
For these reasons, donating to organizations that protect the homeless is like donating to yourself. In particular, the Homeless Action Center and the Coalition on Homelessness are nonprofits in need of donors.
Nonprofits for kids
Are you worried about the blow that budget cuts have dealt to public schools in the Bay Area? By placing their focus on issues like these that affect children and their families, Coleman Advocates for Children and Youth works to ensure that local kids have the best chance for a positive future.
Finally, if the organization you are seeking to support this holiday season is not found here, be sure to consult the Bay Area charity list.
Maryam Louise is a former English instructor and materials developer for the Department of Defense Refugee Resettlement and Education Program in Louisville, Kentucky. Since 1997, she has contributed to academic works on the topic of gender. She has been living in the Bay Area since 2009, continuing her 15-year career in media.
There are no comments yet