The Alameda County Social Services Agency held its biannual Community Connect Unhoused Resource & Job Fair on July 16, 2025, at the Oakland Coliseum. The event had over 1,000 attendees and was featured on KALW, a public media radio station in the Bay Area that produces socially minded, community-focused programming for listeners who value civic engagement, innovative storytelling, and local cultural connections.
Antionette Burns, Divisional Operations Services Manager, from Alameda County Social Services Agency (ACSSA), shared that the fair aims to be open and accessible: “We’re never going to turn away anyone who’s looking for a job… although the target population is the unhoused and unsheltered, it’s for everyone.”
Services at the fair included assistance with resume writing, professional headshots, mobile laundry, and help with personal hygiene and basic care practices. Employers like Southwest Airlines, Safeway, and the U.S. Postal Service were present and actively hiring.
94 vendors participated in the event, offering resources and services:
- 120 families were served, receiving vital support and services
- 62 dogs were vaccinated and 25 groomed, ensuring both health and comfort
- 42 opioid test kits delivered and 24 Narcan trainings conducted, reinforcing public health and safety
56 participants took advantage of job readiness services including:
- Resume Writing: 30
- Career Consulting: 4
- Career Consulting + Mock Interview: 2
- Mock Interviews: 4
- Mock Interview + Career Consulting: 3
- Mock Interview + Resume Writing: 1
- Mock Interview + Resume Writing + Career Consulting: 1
- Resume Writing + Career Consulting: 3
- Resume Writing + Mock Interview: 6
- Resume Writing + Mock Interview + Career Consulting: 2
Personal Empowerment Services
- Barber Services: 56 men, women, and children received haircuts and styling, boosting confidence for job interviews and beyond.
- Spa Services: 48 attendees enjoyed restorative wellness treatments.
- Professional Headshots: 96 individuals had headshots taken
Prize Station Engagement
- 396 Vendor Activity Logs collected, showing high levels of engagement
- 26 gift cards raffled, totaling $665 in prizes
- 3 cash prizes raffled, totaling $200
Kidz Korner Impact Over 200 children and families were supported with essential items, including backpacks, jackets, underwear, diapers, and shoes, creating moments of joy and relief for the youngest members of our community.
One participant, Erica M., spoke about her path toward stability after experiencing homelessness and domestic violence. Encouraging others to attend future fairs, she said:
“To me, it’s a no-brainer. Come.”
The next fair is scheduled for January 2026, to provide more resources and opportunities for those in need.
To learn more, visit KALW’s full story here
