Community Capacity Building

Our team works to improve long-term outcomes and to address pressing needs as they arise. Some of the recent efforts from our first year are outlined here:

Policy and Advocacy

Declaration secured for Violence as a Public Health Emergency for both the City of Oakland and Alameda County;
Advocated with the County Board of Supervisors for a portion of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funds to be allocated to our communities in identified target areas;
Worked with our partners and the community to give input in the Redistricting process in both Alameda County and City of Oakland.

“My goal is to help families reach their equilibrium again.”

Monika Davis Scott, LMFT
Marriage and Family Therapist
Roots Behavioral Health Department

Community Needs and Gaps

Developed a proposal with the African American Resource Council (AARC) to develop a plan and funding request to address some of our community’s most pressing needs with specific funding requests for Alameda County Board of Supervisors focused in the areas of Housing, Economic Development and Mental and Spiritual Health;
Developed People’s Advisory Council (PAC)
- Mobilization for ARPA and Redistricting (city and county) public comment

Maintaining Community Assets

Walgreens closure and engagement to maintain the space for community development and engagement
- UC Berkeley Design Sherets – design 3 possibilities for Walgreens site

Community Engagement

Worked with the PAC to create two Black Thought Walls to engage our community in public spaces where their voices can be heard and expressed in a safe space.
Oakland Unified School District COVID protocol for safe schools
Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) –
- Collaboration on outreach for Proposed Discounted Toll Program for Highway 880
- Community Advisory Bench outreach and nominations
MACRO – Community information – applying for positions
PAC – Informing Talking Points, Public Comment – ARPA, Redistricting

Roots Headquarters

Roots Community Health Center Locations