About Us
Building Community Power in East Oakland Through Solidarity, Service, and Systems Change
Our Story
In 2016, founder Candice Elder looked around her native neighborhoods in Deep East Oakland and saw what the data already confirmed: decades of disinvestment, displacement, lack of civic and political engagement, and neglect. While tech booms reshaped the Bay Area, East Oakland was left behind.
But Candice also saw something else: neighbors helping neighbors. Organizing. Elders holding down community knowledge. Young people hungry for change. So she did what Oakland does best, she called a meeting.
EOC was born from a social media group to gatherings amongst East Oakland millennials interested in change. The goal was simple but revolutionary: turn millennial energy and innovation into community power. Not charity. Not saviorism. Power. In December 2016, EOC held a packed community town hall and heard directly from residents on what to focus on, shaping our programs and services to this very day.
From grassroots advocacy and organizing for shelter and basic human rights for unhoused neighbors to Feed the Hood caravans serving food to thousands, from financial freedom cohorts to addressing food insecurity amongst financially impacted families and seniors, the Collective has become a movement. We've evolved from a volunteer group to a full-service organization serving over 10,000 families annually.
Timeline of Impact
2016Founding
EOC was founded as a grassroots organization to address food insecurity and housing challenges in East Oakland.
2017Feed the Hood
Launched our flagship food distribution program, serving 100+ unhoused neighbors in the first year.
2019MacArthur Hub
Secured our community hub at 76th & MacArthur, creating a permanent base for organizing and services.
2020COVID Response
Mobilized 1,000+ volunteers to distribute 25,000+ meals during the pandemic's height.
- 2022
Housing Victory
Secured funding for 120 affordable housing units and provided navigation services for 500+ unhoused neighbors.
2024Economic Hub
Launched economic empowerment center supporting 25+ BIPOC-owned small businesses in East Oakland.
2025+Looking Ahead
Expanding our impact with new programs focused on youth leadership and environmental justice initiatives.
Keep scrolling to follow our story
Mission, Vision & Values
Mission
Advance racial and economic equity in Deep East Oakland through grassroots organizing, direct service, and community power-building. Housing is a human right, food is dignity, and every neighbor deserves the resources to thrive.
Vision
A Deep East Oakland where every resident has access to stable housing, nutritious food, economic opportunity, and the political power to shape their own future. Where community care replaces systems of oppression.
Approach
We create pathways from survival to sustainability, crisis to stability, and exclusion to power through five interconnected programs: Civic Engagement, Food Distribution, Homeless Services, Economic Empowerment, and Wellness.
Our Core Values
Dignity First
Every person deserves respect, resources, and recognition of their inherent worth.
Community Power
Real change comes from community-led solutions and collective action.
Racial Equity
We center racial and economic justice in all our programs and advocacy.
Accountability
We are transparent, responsive, and accountable to those we serve.
Why Deep East Oakland?
Food Deserts
Limited grocery stores mean families travel miles for fresh produce.
Housing Crisis
Rising displacement and homelessness destabilize families.
Economic Barriers
High unemployment and limited business opportunities.
Civic Exclusion
Historically marginalized from policy decisions.
That's why community-led solutions matter. When those most impacted lead the work, real change happens.
Our Impact & Growth
Real numbers from real community work. Every metric represents lives touched, neighbors supported, and change created together.
10.5
Years of Community Service
Serving Deep East Oakland since 2016
10,000+
Volunteers Mobilized
Neighbors working for justice
2M+
Lbs of Food Distributed
Fresh produce and shelf-stable foods
95,000
Meals Served
Through Feed the Hood and food programs
Transparency & Accountability
Annual Reports
Comprehensive program outcomes and financial transparency.
501(c)(3) Status
Registered nonprofit with tax-deductible donations.
Community Accountability
Led by and accountable to the communities we serve.
Join the Movement
Be part of building equity, dignity, and power in East Oakland.