Alameda mayor: Consider CERT training enrollment in this new year
Your community needs you! If you’re looking for a new year resolution, consider enrolling in CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) training to learn how to provide emergency assistance to your family, neighbors and co-workers in a disaster.
There are about 180 active, trained CERT volunteers in Alameda, but with a population close to 80,000, Alameda could use more. Basic CERT Training is a hybrid of Zoom meetings and in-person, hands-on skills training offered by the Alameda Fire Department.
The training is open to Alameda residents and employees of Alameda businesses. Sign up online to be notified of the next basic CERT training at alamedaca.gov/Departments/Fire-Department/Alameda-CERT. For more information, email cert@alamedaca.gov or call 510-337-2129.
Warming shelter: On Dec. 15, the Alameda Warming Shelter once again opened its doors at Christ Episcopal Church (CEC) to provide overnight accommodations, showers, clean clothes, meals and supportive services for those experiencing homelessness.
Community members volunteer to provide meals, and with 40 years of experience in San Francisco, Episcopal Community Services offers professional assistance to warming shelter guests. This year, St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and Twin Towers United Methodist Church will join CEC in hosting the shelter.
The warming shelter will operate until early March. The three churches also plan to raise $60,000 to supplement city funding for the warming shelter’s operating costs. To contribute or volunteer at the shelter, visit christchurchalameda.org/seasonal-warming-shelter online.
Building Futures: Do you remember what it was like to furnish your first apartment? Building Futures helps locate safe, stable housing for families rebuilding their lives after homelessness or domestic violence. Most of their clients have few personal items to furnish a new home with, though.
You can help by contributing to Building Futures’ “Move-In Kit campaign” that focuses on providing 12 essential items for kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms. Donors can cover all or part of the $360 cost of a move-in kit by visiting bfwc.org/give-support/moveinkits online. Your generosity will help make a house a home.
COVID-19: You may know someone who recently tested positive for COVID-19. According to the Alameda County Public Health Department, COVID-19 cases are on the rise nationwide, including here in Alameda County.
COVID-19 poses a risk of severe disease for those older than 65 and people with underlying health conditions, including pregnancy. Anyone who gets COVID-19 can also develop long COVID. That’s why the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention urge COVID-19 and flu vaccinations for everyone 6 months or older this winter.
Also important is staying up-to-date on your vaccinations because new variants are constantly emerging. Vaccinations are available at Alameda pharmacies, including Walgreens (walgreens.com/findcare/schedule-vaccine), CVS (cvs.com/immunizations/covid-19-vaccine?icid=immunizations-overview-COVID-19) and Safeway (mhealthappointments.com/covidappt). Schedule your vaccination today.
Doctors urge taking sensible precautions to stay healthy: Wear a high-quality mask when indoors in public, and stay home and test for COVID-19 if you’re feeling sick. More information is available at covid-19.acgov.org/index.page. Happy 2024, Alameda! Stay healthy and “Alameda Strong!”
Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft is the mayor of Alameda.