EBRHA Hosts Successful 1st Annual Housing Collaborative

The East Bay Rental Housing Association (EBRHA) proudly hosted its 1st Annual Housing Collaborative on Saturday, February 8th, at Bloc15 in Oakland’s Jack London Square. The event brought together hundreds of renters, aspiring homeowners, and rental housing providers for a day of networking, education, and resource-sharing.  Special guest Interim Oakland Mayor Kevin Jenkins also attended, underscoring the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing housing challenges.

A Community-Centered Event

This free event served as a vital platform for connecting individuals with housing programs, grants, rebates, and financing options. Attendees had the opportunity to engage directly with local agencies and organizations dedicated to housing accessibility, energy savings, home repair assistance, and fair housing education.

Housing Experts and Insightful Discussions

One of the event’s highlights was a panel discussion moderated by EBRHA CEO Derek Barnes. The discussion covered critical topics, including the latest federal housing initiatives, local municipal budget deficits, and their impact on housing organizations’ ability to sustain essential housing programs.

The panel featured distinguished housing experts, including:

• Sasha Hauswald, Chief Housing Policy Officer, City of Oakland

• Michelle Starratt, Director, Alameda County Housing & Community Development Department (HCD)

• Patricia Wells, Executive Director/CEO, Oakland Housing Authority

Panelists explored key issues such as:

• Effective marketing programs and community outreach

• Understanding legislative and policy changes in housing

• The impact of federal, state, and local funding reductions on housing initiatives

Exhibitor Showcase

Attendees had access to a robust exhibitor showcase featuring a range of organizations offering essential housing support services. Among the participating exhibitors were housing advocacy groups, financial institutions, municipal housing agencies, and organizations specializing in energy efficiency and tenant rights.

A Promising Start to an Ongoing Initiative

EBRHA’s 1st Annual Housing Collaborative successfully demonstrated the power of community engagement in tackling housing challenges. By fostering conversations, providing educational resources, and facilitating access to essential programs, EBRHA reaffirmed its commitment to supporting both renters and rental housing providers.

This event was just the beginning—EBRHA looks forward to expanding this initiative in the years to come, ensuring that housing remains accessible, sustainable, and equitable for all in the East Bay. Stay tuned for details on next year’s event!