The Future
As BOSS has done for over 35 years, we will continue to offer support and services to turn around the lives of homeless people. We will also continue to press for real reform and policies that affect our communities: Affordable housing must be funded and built, jobs must be created, and care for those suffering from physical or mental illness problems must be provided.
Of the estimated 6,000 – 8,000 homeless people in Alameda County each night, roughly 40% are families with kids. Children must come first, and we strive to provide shelter and access to the skills and tools they need to end the cycle of poverty.
Learn more about our most recent special projects and initiatives.
Ursula Sherman Village – Creating a National Model
Right now BOSS is combining our 35+ years of experience into one exciting model project—Ursula Sherman Village. In one setting, the Village provides temporary shelter for adults and families and transitional housing for families, and we are currently developing additional long-term housing with classroom and activity space. On-site services include adult and children’s education, access to health and mental health care, drug/alcohol recovery support, employment and job search assistance, peer support and mentoring, meals, laundry, showers, storage, and case management.
Ursula Sherman Village provides a multi-generational environment where people can live, work, learn, and heal so they can achieve health and self-sufficiency. This work is the future of BOSS.
Today BOSS is creating the final phase of Ursula Sherman Village – Ubuntu Center. Ubuntu is a word with its origin in the Bantu languages of South Africa expressing the concept that people are interrelated, that it is not possible to be a human being in isolation but only through our connections with others. Ubuntu is at the heart of our work and we love that our new unit will take this joyous and positive name.
Once complete in late 2008, Ubuntu will provide additional units of housing for 12 adults and up to 4 families, and new classroom and activity space to transform the lives, skills, and futures of these residents.
