Apparently, my previous review of this Oakland facility (2 weeks ago) was removed. Understandable…read more After all, it was a vivid, accurate, albeit unflattering description of my decades long experience(s) with this particular location with a focus on a specific recent event and individual epitomizing ongoing abysmal management practices. As for YELP? Ha! Not even a courtesy contact to inform me of said removal or conversation regarding the defense of my position. C'est la vie... 3.4 YELP Stars currently? Imagine the score if H4H management were not compelling YELP to remove negative narratives written by offended potential customers. I shall craft my narrative a bit differently this time - Been visiting this facility for a long time (15+ years?) due to its close proximity and my profession (General B Remodel Contractor) visiting mostly on behalf of my clients. Frankly, I primarily go next door to "The Reuse People" which is far more stable/fair/consistent regarding their business practices. Half the time, I struggle in personal debate, standing out front of this H4H facility, asking myself "do I want to endure, yet another, frustrating/disappointing waste of my time?"... Most of the people you meet at this facility are friendly volunteers. They are not expected to engage dialogue beyond the very basics. However, "management" is another story entirely. Were I to describe the many, many, (many) unhappy occasions I have experienced with management, it would make you wonder how Jimmy Carter (RIP) ever got involved with this organization. Here's a typical interaction/scenario from 2 weeks ago. I noticed a large 3X5 framed picture mounted on the wall some 8-10 feet above the floor in the rear showroom. Every picture on that wall had a price tag ranging from between $60 - $125, except this one which had no price. I went to the front desk to inquire about it and met "NICK". Now "NICK" has rarely provided the same name twice over the many years so, I don't need to change his name to protect an identity here. LOL Conversation as follows: Jerry: Nick, I would like to take down the picture from the wall for closer review before purchase, It's too high up for a proper exam. Nick: Sorry, we can only take the picture down after purchase. Jerry: Hmm, OK, what is your return policy? Nick: No returns after purchase. Jerry: Seems like a pretty bad policy, don't you think? Buy it, take it down, find damage, and cannot return? Nick: Which one is it exactly? (We now walk toward the picture and I grab a short step ladder) Jerry: Nick, I'm sure I can grab it easily & put it back if it's not acceptable. Nick: OK, go ahead & take it down. Jerry: OK Nick, i'll buy it, how about $100 dollars? Nick: No price tag? You'll need to come back tomorrow to get a price. Jerry: Nick, this pic is nothing special, every picture on that wall ranges around $100, my offer is rather generous. Nick: We need to look it up online to determine a price. Jerry: Look what up exactly? It appears to be a print, in a frame, with glass and no signature anywhere? What will you look up? $100 dollars is more than fair. Nick: Sorry, come back tomorrow. Jerry: That is just plain "stupid" Nick: Shrugs, no response. Jerry: (As I was walking out the door) "Stupid". I'm guessing that our hapless H4H hero "Nick" is laboring under some frustrating management policies that compel his ongoing name change lest he be singled out for reprimand by customers & corporate superiors alike. I, on the other hand, prefer to use my real name. While this unfortunate exchange is relatively mild on the scale of disappointments at this facility, one might even consider this YELP review itself a waste of my time; which it is. Sigh... Maybe, I just need to get a sense of humor? Hmmm.... Perhaps I should start introducing myself to the H4H staff as Pancho Villa! Maybe that will get some laughs? Bottom line, If you are on a journey of personal evolution & self improvement; practicing patience and finding humor in the utterly absurd, this is a great place to exercise your discipline. Jerry aka Pancho Villa

Ever since I could remember, I've always wanted to volunteer for Habitat for Humanity (H4H). Like…read moreevery person, I made several reasons (more excuses) as to why I couldn't make the time. Work, family, weather, health and etc. I probably used every "excuse" in the book. As my goal for 2014 to do 100 community service hours, I finally registered. I used Govoluntr, https://govoluntr.com/ to sign up which directed me to the main website of H4H http://www.habitatebsv.org/. You'll have to create an account and then choose the date and location you want to volunteer. To my surprise and I do mean surprise, they had a construction site in Walnut Creek. Upon arrival, we signed in and met with the H4H crew. I learned that any (low income) family can apply for a H4H home, as long as you're in NEED of shelter, can repay a no interest bearing home loan, and volunteer several hundred hours (min 500) of building your home and other homes. All homes are built solely by volunteers and donated products. We were given 3 options this day: Outdoor siding, base board finish/touchup, or lay wood flooring. Since myself and my lil man, laid wood flooring before (long ago) we decided to tackle this project. Our team leader was Ian. My lil man grouped up with a younger team to finish one room and me and my honey finished one room. Maybe we didn't finish it at the end of our 7.5 hour day, but we were darn close. I tell you what I wished I had knee pads. This was a work out because the next day my butt and thighs were sore. This was an amazing experience. I would highly recommend any parent bring their child (must be atleast 16 years old) to experience this. They will learn a lot about repairing and building. Every time I drive by this community, I can actually say I helped build that house. That alone is gratification. So no more excuses everyone. I work 8-10 hour days, family, yelp, church, kids practice/games and I found time to give back to the community. Put down the remote control and find a nearest volunteer service in your community and make a difference in someone's life. Next on my list Princess Project...here I come!!

The city team Oakland location helped me and my son out immensely. I reached out to a program…read morecoordinator at another place in west Oakland that shared Cityteam with me. The coordinator set up details for clothing distribution as I mentioned I needed clothes for my little and I. The clothing closet was huge and there was more than enough to look through. Please keep them in mind when looking to donate clothing, men's / women's / and children's of all sizes. I for one needed the help and I thank you for providing that.

I go here with my program week during the week for charity stuff and organizing clothes and putting…read morefood on the table serving the people and helping them on track. Also I help clean the kitchen. The staff is really nice name outgoing and the service and the food is amazin

As an incubator for small businesses, the Ren Center is queen!…read moreThey offer structured programs for the budding entrepreneur and small business owner. Many clients and participants are minority, transgender or other designation which makes the Ren Center a leader in the community for inclusion. The Ren Center has a women's resource center (yes ladies!). I attended a seminar during small business week just to check out the learnings for a potential future career and it was the bomb! Right on the money. It all made so much sense and was presented in a direct manner, easily adoptable. Support small business owners especially our minority ladies. Thanks Ren Center, you're doing a great job!

I've been dreaming about starting my own business and I finally decided to do something about it…read more Earlier this year, I signed up for the small business training program through Renaissance. It was a comprehensive 3 month program, held every tuesdays and thursdays, for 3 hours a night. My days were long and weekends were occupied with homework and research....but so worth it!! There were 6 parts to my training - business planning, marketing, accounting/finances, management, and individual consultations. If you do your work and do it diligently, you will graduate from the program, with a business plan in hand. A business plan that YOU created. My instructors, specifically Paul and Melinda, are fabulous at what they do. Words cannot express the appreciation and gratitude I have for them. Thank you for continually teaching this program with much enthusiasm and genuine interest about each student's aspirations day in and day out! I don't know how you guys do it, but you do it well, and with humor! =) My favorite part of this program is when they bring in guest speakers (previous students) who have succeeded in establishing their businesses. Who would have known that a lot of these restaurants/stores all over the bay area were previous students? And the networking you develop is unbelievable! So much support! There were 25 of us in my class - I wish them all the best of luck in pursuing their dreams and I hope to see their businesses pop up all around Oakland/SF area....including mine. =) For anyone wanting to become an entrepeneur, what's holding you back? Sign up!

Amazing place for free services. You have to be disabled to utilize this place. There's a nice cafe…read morenext door.

This Building has an amazing architectural design and I truly believe this was built for a great…read morecause. It is designed to model the disability rights and universal access for people to collaborate. It's all about creating a movement and commemorating the life and work of Edward V. Roberts, he was a leader for independent living for people with disabilities. It's all about working together and including everyone. Often they have meetings and events here that truly makes a difference in people's lives.

Need help? Look elsewhere…read more It will be impossible to reach anyone by phone. If you're lucky enough to catch someone on the phone, it's because they accidentally called you - then felt trapped - and made an appointment for a future date to get off the phone quickly. They will turn their phone off and be unreachable during the scheduled appointment time. Then, they will never return your calls, voicemails, or text messages. EOCP - Engagement Optional, Clients Powerless

Unfortunately my father stayed at this facility for 2days, and I had to manuver my life to bring…read morehim home with me because there is no way his hygiene can be kept up l in this facility. upon his arrival the bunking quarters were clean but the matresses was filthy. I have posted some photos that were taken of the bathroom and shower quarters and im absolutely appauled that the most vulnarable people in the oakland community have to deal with these type of conditions its disgusting, these people deserve livable bathing and bathroom conditions. One photo shows a vommit filled toilet in a 3 stall bathroom that is completely unusable and bio hazzard problem and has been like this for 3days with absolutely no fixing. Also a the shower stalls looked to have mold and rust and just plain filthy. These are such unfortunate conditions I will be contacting corporate office to discuss how to manage a cleaner environment for those in need. Signed concerned oakland resident.

This place has saved my bacon again and again for five years. The new location is much more…read morepleasant to visit.

AIDS EMERGENCY FUND helped me at a time when I really needed it over the years. Lee Harrison is…read moreamazung and so kind. He runs the place, and I have come to call him a friend. I went through many stages from Hospice, to my apartment, now I am in Laguna Hond. I hope AEF is around for however long it is needed. They even helped me with the cremation of my domestic partner of 20 years! That place is a class act all the way!

The Solano Avenue Association is really active in keeping local people involved in this hub of…read moreAlbany and North Berkeley. It's about a street and the shops on the street, but it's also a state of mind. Lots of people are members of the group even if they are somewhat far afield from the street itself. Alan Cain, the current Executive Director of the Association, is a ball of fire when it comes to keeping things moving and keeping people involved. The Solano Stroll - the September mile-long street faire - is a great coming-together of food and fun and people watching. SAA is ultimately responsible for all that.

If you are a Writer, Poet, Author, Singer, Aerialist, Musician, Storyteller, Creative and a…read moreThinker-Doer.. or Author----then Liminal is THE coworking space for you !Liminal is a 5 Star establishment. Full disclosure: I am a long time Liminal Writer-in-Residence and a big fan of Gina's writing empowerment. Liminal is a great space where people are encouraged to write, write, write, sing, discuss, negotiate, review, edit, rewrite, rework, cowork and believe their way through whatever blocks us all from being our best Writerly selves. Write about everything with others and get your work done and your self centered in this lopsided world. I spent my time at Liminal learning, listening, writing, editing, caring for the animals, and the neighborhood, playing guitar and cleaning ...and THEN teaching writing workshops. I have written a lot of poetry there, and performed that new poetry out in the Oakland community. I have worked on my book there "Paradise Found: Book II Escape to Eden" and taught writing and MLA classes there. Sure MLA isn't super sexy fun, but you do need to know the MLA, if you really want your essays to be read professionally. I also brought electric guitars and amps for everyone else to play one day. My inner Riot Grllll occasionally requires electric guitar in the air. At home I play almost every day to keep sane in a weird world. Liminal may introduce you to some areas you may need to work on, to step up your writing to people game, and you may meet people that know things that you do not. Do not be afraid, you will be in good company. We all have things that trigger us. Be a gracious learner. Also put some money in the donation till or bring some treats for your fellow writers. We don't have to struggle for our Art, we can be supportive of each other. I am not just a Writer-in-Residence, I am a firm believer in Gina and the hard work that gets done at Liminal. What makes Liminal special, is Gina and the people and the writing and cowering practices that inhabit Liminal. I also applaud the Writers-in-Residence who bring their good practices to the space. Many people talk a good talk, but Gina is a person and Liminal is a space that will expect you to walk your walk with other talented people. To write your poetry; to create your book; to play the heck out of your instrument; to practice your Art; and your Craft; and to improve your Teaching and people skills. Anyone can show up to a space to receive, but can you bring something to the collective ever-changing cast of people who are just as talented as you are? A true 5-Star space requires 5-Star people. And Gina is a 5-Star person. If you are only having a 4-star-day, come to Liminal to cowork.. to cowrite.. . To breathe the fire that is YOU. But remember to be responsible for yourself. That extra star comes from looking inward, not outward. Also, remember this; be open, be accountable, be You, however make some coffee or tea, clean up after yourself, and put something into the space before you leave... donate a few $$$ if you have it. and remember to be supportive of the people you meet there. Try to envision these fellow travellers as your colleauges and your future friends. You never know who you are inspiring or who will help you heal. Leave Liminal better than you found it... you are blazing a path for other folks to follow! A true 5-Star space populated with 5-Star people and 5-Star animals.

Writer Gina Goldblatt, has created an amazing space for creative women, feminists, and their…read moreadvocates. Workshops led by local artists and activists are offered on a sliding scales basis so no one feels left out. Liminal is an open and friendly place to meet likeminded people and get in touch with your literary creativity.