Our local small businesses contribute to Alameda’s unique, charming character. We are fortunate to have not one but two business districts — the West End’s Webster Street and downtown’s Park Street — and several independent businesses across the Island.
Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft is the mayor of Alameda. (photo courtesy of Maurice Ramirez — BANG archives)
Today’s small businesses face many challenges, though, from tariffs and economic uncertainty to finding workers and competing with online retailers. They need your support. So this holiday season (and the rest of the year, too!), explore the many retail opportunities our island offers and grab a coffee, snack or meal along the way. Invest in your community!
Helping others in need: Some local organizations would welcome your help with their important missions. The Warming Shelter is one of them. This winter, the Parish Hall at Christ Episcopal Church (1700 Santa Clara Ave.) will again be the primary location of the Warming Shelter, providing unhoused individuals a warm, dry place to sleep; dinner and breakfast prepared by community volunteers; and laundry and shower facilities.
This year, a case worker will also be present to help connect guests with resources, including help finding secure housing, health care, transportation and other social services to help them get back on their feet. The Warming Shelter will be open from Wednesday evening this week through the morning of May 1.
Funding to operate the Warming Shelter is provided by the city of Alameda, Christ Episcopal Church members and community donations. Volunteers are needed to provide hot dinners and bag breakfasts. To volunteer and/or donate to the Warming Shelter, visit christchurchalameda.org/seasonal-warming-shelter online and click on “donate here” at the top.
Volunteers at another organization, Alameda Meals on Wheels (AMOW), have delivered hot, nourishing meals since 1973 to homebound Alameda residents seven days a week, 365 days a year. Today, more than 200 Alamedans of all ages receive these meals for a variety of reasons, including recent surgery, hospitalization or an inability to shop for groceries or cook their own meals.
Recipients pay on a sliding fee scale based on financial ability. Recently, AMOW has seen a significant increase in the cost of ingredients for the meals it delivers. To avoid increasing costs to recipients, AMOW would welcome monetary donations. Contributions can be made online at alamedamealsonwheels.org. AMOW also needs more volunteers. For more information, call 510-865-6131.
A third group, Alameda Family Services, is a community-based organization that offers mental health assistance, including school-based services, early childhood education, family support and crisis intervention to improve the emotional, psychological and the physical health of families and individuals of all ages.
Recently, funding for these important programs has been affected by a reduction in federal government funding. Your donation can help bridge this funding gap. For more information or to donate, visit alamedafs.org/donate-1 online.
Finally, come join the fun at the annual Winter Lights Celebration from 5 to 6 p.m. this Saturday in front of Alameda City Hall. We’ll light the City Hall holiday tree and enjoy performances by the Tap Dancing Christmas Trees, Alameda Community Band, Alameda Sings and more. I hope to see you there!
Be a local shopper; give of yourself to help others; and be “Alameda Strong!”
Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft is the mayor of Alameda. For contact information and other details, visit bit.ly/mayorashcraft online.