Bay Area

Interfaith Council of Alameda County Takes Action on Homelessness Crisis

The Interfaith Council of Alameda County (ICAC) is leading a concerted effort alongside city, state, and county officials to tackle the urgent issue of homelessness in our community. For the past six years, ICAC has run the Safe Car Park program, providing resources and a safe place to sleep for unhoused neighbors and families living in their vehicles.

Published

2 years ago

August 17, 2024

Oakland Post

Founding ICAC President Pastor Ken Chambers, left, and Dr. Kenneth Anderson, first vice president of the state Baptist Convention and pastor of Williams Chapel Baptist Church, pose in front of the trailers that need renovation. Photo by Kevin Hicks, Hicks Media.

By Pastor Candace Chambers

Special to The Post

The Interfaith Council of Alameda County (ICAC) is leading a concerted effort alongside city, state, and county officials to tackle the urgent issue of homelessness in our community.

For the past six years, ICAC has run the Safe Car Park program, providing resources and a safe place to sleep for unhoused neighbors and families living in their vehicles.

The Safe Car Park program has become a beacon of safety in communities. ICAC has also received 25 trailers from the State of California through the city of Oakland. Funding did not accompany the trailers, so a GoFundMe campaign has been raising funds to make the trailers livable, aimed at providing immediate relief and short-term housing options.

“The Interfaith Council is committed to working hand-in-hand with local authorities and community partners to address homelessness comprehensively,” stated Pastor Ken Chambers, founding president of ICAC. “Our goal is to not only provide immediate support but also to implement sustainable housing solutions that will make an impact.”

ICAC holds monthly community meetings and recently hosted Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao and the new Oakland chief of police, Floyd Mitchell, at their July meeting at the Williams Chapel Baptist Church in Oakland.

“I’m really getting acclimated with the City of Oakland and how we as a police department can partner better with our constituents, community, and our businesses,” said Mitchell.

“ICAC has saved so many people because of the Safe Car Park program,” said Thao. “We know that when you’re dealing with everyday issues including putting food on the table or finding a job, the last thing you should have to worry about is your safety when you’re asleep at your most vulnerable phase.”

Thao also confirmed that the $450,000 approved resolution by the City Council included the new approved budget to expand the Safe Car Park and Trailer programs.

The next community meeting will take place on Thursday, Sept. 12 from 1-2:30 p.m. at the Oakland Temple Visitors Center at 4766 Lincoln Ave., Oakland, California 94602.

Discussions centered on enhancing collaboration between civic leaders, faith-based organizations, and grassroots initiatives will be continued. All are welcome to attend in-person and virtually.

Building Equity Discipline and Respect for our Communities (BEDROC) and ICAC will provide a shower and laundry truck for the community in collaboration with Williams Chapel Baptist Church at 1410 10th Ave, Oakland, CA 94606 on Aug. 13 from 12-3 p.m.

For more information on how to contribute or participate with ICAC, please visit interfaithAC.org where you can donate and become a member. To donate to upgrade the trailers, please go to https://www.gofundme.com/f/transform-trailers-to-housing.

If anyone is in need of emergency overnight parking, please visit our website or call 510-239-8832.

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Oakland Post: Week of July 22 – 28, 2026

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of July 22 – 28, 2026

Published

2 days ago

July 27, 2026

Oakland Post

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Agricultural Engineer Effie Gant Plans Bay Area Farmers Market Initiative

Published

2 weeks ago

July 18, 2026

bpusa-syndication

Agricultural Engineer Effie Gant displays watermelons from her Sacramento farm at the Temescal Festival in Oakland. Photo by Carla Thomas.

In her 80s and still actively working as an agricultural engineer, Effie Gant continues to break barriers in urban farming and community leadership.

The certified USDA grower and respected urban farmer, based in South Sacramento, was recently spotted vending at the Freedom Farmers’ Market by the Temescal Street Fair on Saturday, July 11, where she proudly displayed dozens of sweet, juicy watermelons.

Festivalgoers gathered not only to purchase her produce but also to enjoy activities like the popular watermelon-eating contest. Yet beyond the festive atmosphere, Gant has a larger vision.

Gant is now setting her sights on the Bay Area, where she plans to launch a farmers’ market to increase access to fresh, locally grown food.

Known for her leadership in sustainable agriculture and food justice, she brings decades of hands-on experience and community advocacy to regions where food access remains inconsistent.

She has built a strong reputation through her work with Meadowview Urban Farm and the Yisrael Family Urban Farm, cultivating crops such as watermelons, honeydew melons, and collard greens. Her approach emphasizes sustainability, education, and empowering residents to grow their own food, even in small urban spaces.

As a USDA-certified grower, Gant blends technical expertise with grassroots engagement to combat food insecurity.

Beyond farming, Gant serves as CEO and President of Highways to Hedges, a nonprofit focused on environmental justice and community development. She is also president of the Hampton Station Neighborhood Association and board chairman for HHCORE, where she advocates for safety, equity, and economic opportunity.

Her proposed farmers market will connect small-scale farmers with urban communities while elevating Black farmers and other underrepresented growers.

“I want to teach the next generation about farming and how lucrative it can be,” Gant said. “You don’t need hundreds of acres. You can start with one acre or even your backyard.”Gant also noted her involvement in a collective of farmers who supply produce through government-supported programs.

“We operate as a team, and we all benefit,” she said.

Through workshops, speaking engagements, and hands-on training, Gant and her organization continue to educate communities about agriculture and food justice. Her market initiative will emphasize affordability, cultural relevance, and nutrition education.

Her broader work includes creating edible forests in partnership with Soil Born Farms, planting fruit trees directly in neighborhoods to expand food access. As a mentor with the Center of Expertise on Food Justice and Health Equity, Gant remains a leading voice in building sustainable and resilient food systems.

Gant says she welcomes the community to join her in creating a new farmer’s market.

“Farming is essential to life,” she said. “I want to train as many people as I can to use food and farming as a tool for empowerment, health, and long-term change.”