Hayward Showed Up for Mental Wealth at City Hall
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
On Wednesday, the outside of Hayward City Hall transformed into something larger than an event space. Music carried through downtown streets while neighbors gathered under tents and shared meals, and community organizations connected residents to resources designed to support healing, wellness, and stability.
The Mental Wealth Block Party returned to Hayward, and the community showed up.
Hosted by BOSS as part of Mental Health Awareness Month, the event brought together residents, service providers, volunteers, artists, healers, advocates, and families for an afternoon rooted in joy, access, and connection. Throughout the day, community members received mental health resources, housing and workforce information, wellness support, giveaways, gift cards, prizes, and opportunities to connect with organizations working across Alameda County.
Some crowded around activity tables while others danced near the music, posed for photos, or moved between games and wellness stations with friends and family.
The atmosphere reflected exactly what BOSS hopes these events can become: spaces where mental wellness feels visible, approachable, and connected to community life rather than separated from it. That visibility matters.
Too often, conversations around mental health only happen in moments of crisis. The Mental Wealth Block Party was designed to create something different — a space where healing, support, and wellness could exist openly alongside music, food, laughter, and community gathering.
BOSS extends deep appreciation to the organizations, staff, and community members who contributed their time, energy, and resources to the event. Thank you to the City of Hayward for helping create a welcoming space in the heart of downtown and to Kaiser Permanente for supporting the work of bringing wellness directly into community spaces.
Special thanks also go to the women of Iota Zeta Hayward Chapter, whose support and presence continue to be deeply felt across BOSS events and initiatives. Their consistency, partnership, and commitment to community care continue to help strengthen this work in meaningful ways.
At BOSS, these gatherings are not separate from the larger work. They are part of it.
Housing stability, violence prevention, trauma recovery, workforce development, and mental wellness are deeply connected. Creating spaces where people feel seen, supported, and connected strengthens communities long after the event itself ends.
And the work continues.
We look forward to gathering again for the Oakland Mental Wealth Block Party later this month at Defremery Park, where we’ll continue to bring together wellness, healing resources, music, and community in another powerful public space. Oakland, we’ll see you soon.
The work continues long after the music ends. Help BOSS continue creating spaces where families can access healing, housing support, wellness resources, and community care across Alameda County.
Join the Work 🌐 www.self-sufficiency.org/volunteer
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