Affordable Housing Month bus tour participants gather near a playground in the courtyard at Jack London Gateway Apartments.

Every Home Counts: Oakland Housing Authority Highlights Preservation, Partnership, and Progress During Affordable Housing Month

May 29, 2026

Oakland Housing Authority (OHA) celebrated Affordable Housing Month alongside East Bay Housing Organizations (EBHO) by showcasing the partnerships and investments creating housing opportunities across Oakland

Each May, East Bay Housing Organizations (EBHO) leads Affordable Housing Month, a regional celebration of the partnerships, investments, and community commitment that make affordable housing possible throughout the Bay Area.

In recognition of Affordable Housing Month, the Oakland Housing Authority (OHA) participated in a series of events highlighting how affordable housing creates stability, opportunity, and stronger communities across Oakland. Through property rehabilitations, groundbreaking celebrations, grand openings, and site tours, OHA joined partners to showcase both the progress being made and the continued need for investment in affordable housing solutions.

Together, these events reflected OHA’s belief that housing is more than a roof over someone’s head—it is the foundation people need to build healthy, successful futures and the cornerstone of thriving communities.

The following highlights offer a snapshot of the projects, partnerships, and investments OHA celebrated throughout Affordable Housing Month—demonstrating how preservation, new construction, supportive housing, and community collaboration are helping expand housing opportunities for Oakland residents today while building a stronger foundation for the future.

Small Site, Big Impact: East Oakland Rehabilitation Celebration
On May 13, OHA partnered with EBHO to host an open house in East Oakland, celebrating the full rehabilitation of a three-unit affordable housing property.

The event brought together more than 50 elected officials, housing advocates, labor representatives, and community partners to recognize the importance of preserving smaller affordable housing sites across Oakland neighborhoods.

Oakland Housing Authority staff, community partners, and public safety representatives stand outside the rehabilitated 9746 Plymouth St. affordable housing property in East Oakland. — Oakland Housing Authority Executive Director Patricia Wells, community partners, and public safety representatives gather outside the newly rehabilitated 9746 Plymouth St. property in East Oakland on May 13, 2026. The rehabilitation project reflects OHA’s ongoing commitment to preserving affordable housing across Oakland neighborhoods.

Opening the event, OHA Executive Director Patricia Wells reflected on a quote from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: “If you cannot do great things, do small things in a great way.” Wells said the Plymouth Street rehabilitation reflects OHA’s belief that even modest-sized affordable housing sites can have a powerful impact when preserved with intention, care, and long-term commitment.

The approximately $950,000 rehabilitation project was funded through HUD’s Capital Fund Program and supported through OHA’s broader housing preservation efforts. The open house also recognized OHA’s Capital Improvements Department and Oakland Affordable Housing Preservation Initiatives team for helping bring the project from planning to completion.

By 2030, OHA anticipates creating more than 1,700 new affordable homes across Oakland while preserving more than 750 additional homes through rehabilitation efforts like Plymouth Street, reflecting the agency’s broader commitment to long-term housing stability and neighborhood preservation.

Representatives attended on behalf of four elected official offices, including Sen. Arreguin, Assemblymember Buffy Wicks, Assemblymember Mia Bonta, and Oakland Councilmember at Large Rowena Brown. OHA also welcomed EBHO Board President William Goodwin and BART District 7 Director Victor Flores.

Before & After

Exterior view of a multi-unit residential building in East Oakland before rehabilitation, showing worn siding and aging structural elements. — A multi-unit residential building in East Oakland. stands prior to rehabilitation in Oakland, Calif. Oakland Housing Authority (OHA) transformed the property through its Capital Improvements program, delivering quality, dignified housing to Oakland residents.

Exterior view of a renovated multi-unit residential building at 9746 Plymouth St. in Oakland after rehabilitation, featuring updated siding and a refreshed exterior. — An East Oakland property owned and managed by Oakland Housing Authority (OHA) stands fully rehabilitated in Oakland, Calif., ready to welcome residents. OHA completed the renovation as part of its commitment to preserving safe, stable, and dignified affordable housing across the city.

2700 International Boulevard Groundbreaking
While preservation remains a critical part of OHA’s work, creating new affordable housing opportunities is equally important. On May 15, OHA joined partners including Eden Housing, The Unity Council, and John Stewart Company to celebrate the groundbreaking of 2700 International Blvd., a new permanent supportive housing development serving veterans.

Community partners stand with ceremonial shovels at the groundbreaking for 2700 International Blvd. in Oakland, with construction equipment and a project sign in the background. — While preservation remains a critical part of OHA’s work, creating new affordable housing opportunities is equally important. On May 15, OHA joined partners including Eden Housing, The Unity Council, and John Stewart Company to celebrate the groundbreaking of 2700 International Blvd., a new permanent supportive housing development serving veterans.

To bring this project to life, OHA committed 19 project-based Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) vouchers and a $3.8 million development loan. These investments helped move the development from planning to construction.

Oakland Housing Authority Executive Director Patricia Wells speaks at a podium during the 2700 International Blvd. groundbreaking ceremony in Oakland.

This groundbreaking reflects the importance of pairing affordable housing with supportive services. Through the VASH program, residents will receive both rental assistance and access to case management and clinical services provided through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, helping create long-term housing stability for veterans who have experienced homelessness.

“Today’s groundbreaking is not just about building housing. It’s about building stability, opportunity, and hope,” Wells said during the ceremony. “Properties like 2700 International reflect what is possible when strong partnerships come together with a shared commitment to the community.”

The groundbreaking highlighted OHA’s continued investment in supportive housing solutions that combine long-term affordability with services designed to help residents remain stably housed for years to come.

Together, projects like 2700 International and Plymouth Street demonstrate OHA’s dual commitment to preserving existing affordable homes while creating new opportunities for residents most in need.

Flicker Bird Homes Grand Opening Event
On May 19, OHA joined partners for the grand opening of Flicker Bird Homes in Oakland’s Fruitvale neighborhood, a mixed-use affordable housing development led by Native American Health Center and Satellite Affordable Housing Associates.

The development includes 76 affordable homes for families earning between 20% and 50% of Area Median Income, including 31 units reserved for formerly unhoused families and individuals. By integrating affordable housing with healthcare services, supportive services, and culturally grounded community spaces, Flicker Bird Homes demonstrates how housing can promote long-term stability, health, and community connection.

OHA supported the project through its Rental Assistance Subsidy (RAS) Program, committing more than $2.5 million in funding to support 21 permanent supportive housing units at the property. The investment reflects OHA’s growing focus on creative housing solutions that help deeply affordable developments remain financially sustainable while serving residents with the greatest housing needs.

“Addressing today’s housing crisis requires more than traditional approaches,” OHA Executive Director Patricia Wells said during the event. “It requires public agencies, developers, healthcare providers, and community organizations to work together in new ways and create flexible solutions that respond to real community needs.”

Cultural performers participate in a dance performance during the grand opening celebration for Flicker & Flicker Bird Homes in Oakland. — Cultural performers participate in the grand opening celebration for Flicker & Flicker Bird Homes in Oakland’s Fruitvale neighborhood on May 19, 2026. The event highlighted the development’s focus on affordable housing, community connection, and culturally grounded space. Photo Credit: Native American Health Center

34th & San Pablo Groundbreaking
On May 29, OHA joined partners and community members to celebrate the groundbreaking of 34th & San Pablo, a new 100% affordable housing development in West Oakland led by East Bay Asian Local Development Corporation (EBALDC) and Abode Communities. The groundbreaking was one of many Affordable Housing Month events organized in partnership with EBHO and housing advocates across the East Bay.

The development will bring 60 affordable homes to the San Pablo Corridor, including 30 homes set aside for households experiencing homelessness. The groundbreaking and development reflect a collaborative effort to expand deeply affordable, service-enriched housing opportunities in West Oakland.

OHA supported the development through a commitment of 25 project-based vouchers, representing an annual investment of approximately $651,600 and more than $13 million over a 20-year term. The vouchers will help ensure residents have access to deeply affordable housing and long-term stability.

Oakland Housing Authority Chief Impact Officer Dominica Henderson speaks at a podium during the 34th & San Pablo affordable housing groundbreaking ceremony in West Oakland.

During the event, OHA Chief Social Impact Officer Dominica Henderson emphasized the importance of partnerships and community-centered investment in addressing Oakland’s housing crisis.

“Developments like this are critical to addressing our housing crisis, and not just by building units, but by building communities,” Henderson said.

The groundbreaking also highlighted OHA’s longstanding partnership with EBALDC to expand affordable housing opportunities across Oakland. Today, OHA provides subsidies to 606 project-based voucher units across multiple EBALDC developments, supporting long-term housing stability for residents and families throughout the city. Following the ceremony, attendees gathered for a community night market featuring local vendors, artists, and performers, underscoring the project’s vision of creating not just housing, but a vibrant and connected neighborhood.

Project partners, elected officials, and community leaders stand with ceremonial shovels during the 34th & San Pablo groundbreaking ceremony in West Oakland. — Partners, elected officials, housing advocates, and community leaders participate in the ceremonial groundbreaking for 34th & San Pablo in West Oakland on May 29, 2026. The development will bring 60 affordable homes to the San Pablo Corridor and reflects a collaborative effort to expand deeply affordable housing opportunities in Oakland. Photo Credit: EBALDC

OHA Property Site Tour
On May 28, OHA hosted a site tour of affordable housing communities across Oakland, giving partners, stakeholders, and community members an opportunity to see firsthand the homes and neighborhoods supported through OHA programs.

The tour highlighted the diversity of OHA’s investment in long-term permanent affordable housing in Oakland, including a walking tour showcasing OHA’s contribution to adding 465 affordable homes along Oakland’s historic waterfront.

Today, OHA serves approximately 30,000 Oakland residents — nearly 7% of the city’s population. From preserving small-site housing in East Oakland to expanding supportive housing opportunities for veterans, Affordable Housing Month highlights the many ways OHA and its partners are working to strengthen communities across the city.

The month also serves as a reminder that affordable housing is not built through one project or one program alone. It takes long-term investment, creative partnerships, and a shared commitment to ensuring Oakland residents have access to safe, stable, and affordable homes for generations to come.