In my early twenties, I made some difficult choices that led to a period of unemployment and instability in my life. For about a year and a half, I lived out of my green Cadillac in the parking lot of an apartment complex in Antioch, California. From the front passenger seat of that car, I watched two Thanksgivings and a Christmas pass by. Those moments were humbling and life-changing.
During that time, I gathered the courage to approach the owner of a Circle K store across the street. I asked if I could clean the store and the restroom in exchange for access to the restroom and the opportunity to earn some income. He gave me a chance and even trusted me with a key. That opportunity gave me dignity, stability, and the ability to begin saving money. I made a promise to myself and to God that if I was ever in a position to give back, I would do so.
For the past 16 years, Winfield House has been serving the Oakland community by collecting food and clothing, preparing meals, and distributing them to those in need. We focus on supporting some of the most vulnerable members of our community: men and women experiencing homelessness, mothers with children, veterans, and young adults transitioning out of foster care. Our mission is to provide hope, dignity, and practical help to those facing difficult circumstances.
Becoming an official nonprofit will allow us to host fundraisers, collaborate with other organizations, and work within the community while remaining compliant with regulations. It will also give us credibility to partner with other nonprofits and participate in larger community outreach events throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. Most importantly, it will allow us to apply for grants and secure ongoing funding so that we can continue to serve those who need help the most.
Thank you for taking a moment to learn about Winfield House and for considering supporting our mission. Your generosity helps us provide food, clothing, hygiene supplies, and small acts of dignity to individuals and families experiencing homelessness in our community. Every donation—no matter the size—helps us prepare meals, assemble “Bags of Blessings,” and distribute hygiene backpacks to those who need them most. More importantly, your support reminds people who are struggling that they are not forgotten and that someone cares. We are deeply grateful for your kindness and compassion. Together, we can bring hope, dignity, and practical help to those facing some of life’s most difficult moments. Thank you for being part of this mission.
During that time, I gathered the courage to approach the owner of a Circle K store across the street. I asked if I could clean the store and the restroom in exchange for access to the restroom and the opportunity to earn some income. He gave me a chance and even trusted me with a key. That opportunity gave me dignity, stability, and the ability to begin saving money. I made a promise to myself and to God that if I was ever in a position to give back, I would do so.
For the past 16 years, Winfield House has been serving the Oakland community by collecting food and clothing, preparing meals, and distributing them to those in need. We focus on supporting some of the most vulnerable members of our community: men and women experiencing homelessness, mothers with children, veterans, and young adults transitioning out of foster care. Our mission is to provide hope, dignity, and practical help to those facing difficult circumstances.
Becoming an official nonprofit will allow us to host fundraisers, collaborate with other organizations, and work within the community while remaining compliant with regulations. It will also give us credibility to partner with other nonprofits and participate in larger community outreach events throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. Most importantly, it will allow us to apply for grants and secure ongoing funding so that we can continue to serve those who need help the most.
Thank you for taking a moment to learn about Winfield House and for considering supporting our mission. Your generosity helps us provide food, clothing, hygiene supplies, and small acts of dignity to individuals and families experiencing homelessness in our community. Every donation—no matter the size—helps us prepare meals, assemble “Bags of Blessings,” and distribute hygiene backpacks to those who need them most. More importantly, your support reminds people who are struggling that they are not forgotten and that someone cares. We are deeply grateful for your kindness and compassion. Together, we can bring hope, dignity, and practical help to those facing some of life’s most difficult moments. Thank you for being part of this mission.
Organizer
