When disaster strikes, the Alameda County Social Services Agency (ACSSA) responds with essential services, helpful resources, and compassion for our neighbors during some of their most difficult moments.
Throughout 2026, ACSSA Outreach team members supported residents displaced by several apartment and housing complex fires across Oakland. Each incident affected approximately 10 to 50 households, leaving individuals and families in need of immediate assistance as they began recovery.
Working closely with the City of Oakland Emergency Management team, Mayor Barbara Lee’s administration, and local response partners, ACSSA deployed Outreach team members to Local Assistance Centers (LACs) established for affected residents. A coordinated Agency effort involving the Office of Public Affairs(OPA)-Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (DPEM) team, Agency leadership, and program managers made these deployments possible. Together, they helped team members quickly mobilize, establish an on-site presence, and connect displaced residents with critical services and resources.
At the center of each response were ACSSA team members who stepped forward to serve:
- On January 23, Sandra Pena, Elisa Guerrero, Lisa Ng, and Lili Salgado supported residents affected by the fire at 1770 Broadway.
- On August 19, Antonia Briones and Mabel Yu assisted residents impacted by the fire at 2600 International Boulevard.
- On September 18, Antonia Briones and Virginia Leiva supported residents affected by the fire at 1925 Martin Luther King Jr. Way.
- On September 28, Elisa Guerrero and Kenneth Lee assisted residents impacted by the fire at 5142 Bancroft Avenue.
At each LAC, Outreach team members provided personalized assistance to residents navigating public benefits, addressing case-related questions, requesting Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) services, and connecting with additional community resources. They took the time to listen, answer questions, and help residents understand their next steps, demonstrating that meaningful support begins with treating every person with dignity and compassion. Behind the scenes, Agency team members coordinated staffing schedules, logistics, communications, and operational support to ensure each deployment was responsive and effective. These efforts also highlighted the importance of preparation, strong partnerships, and teamwork during an emergency. Through close coordination with the City of Oakland, local leadership, and community partners, ACSSA supported the delivery of timely, accessible assistance directly to residents.
ACSSA appreciates every team member who answered the call and helped make these responses possible. Their willingness to step forward reflects the Agency’s core values of Dignity, Compassion, Integrity, Shared Purpose, and Accountability. Whether assisting one person or dozens of displaced families, our Outreach teams remind us what public service is all about: showing up, caring for our neighbors, and helping people move forward with support, confidence, and dignity!