Our Programs

In Alameda County, 325,000 people face hunger or live in poverty. Through our programs, volunteers and community partners provide direct services to those in need. Whether it's spending time in our Community Center, staying warm and safe in our shelter, or eating a hot meal in our Dining Room, people are able to meet their most basic needs five days a week at St. Vincent de Paul of Alameda County. 
Community Center
Clothing Closet
At our Clothing Closet, guests can access 2 weeks of free clothing--everything from socks, underwear, shoes, shirts, pants, dresses, coats, and more with the help of our staff and volunteers.
Men's Center
At our Men's Center, guests have access to our fully equipped showers and laundry facility along with free hygiene kits and everyday necessities. 
Women and Children's Center
At our Women's Center, guests have access to our fully equipped showers and laundry facility along with free hygiene and feminine hygiene products. Our Children's center provides access to infant care supplies such as diapers, children's clothing, and more.
Our Community Center provides a safe, warm place where our guests can relax, read, play games, do work, meet other people and access many of St. Vincent de Paul's supplementary programs. Everything from bingo, nursing intakes, and free men's haircuts to participating in holiday events hosted by staff and volunteers. 

Community Center Hours: 9-12; 12:30-3 (Tuesday-Saturday)
Free dining Room
Saint Vincent de Paul is committed to serving 600+ takeaway meals a day to our neighbors in Oakland, made from fresh ingredients reclaimed from local grocery stores. At our Free Dining Room, our guests can enjoy hot takeaway meals prepared by our staff and volunteers 5 days a week (Tuesday-Saturday). Enjoy French toast, bacon and eggs, pizza, curry, jambalaya, roasted vegetables, sloppy Joe's, and other lovingly prepared meals. 

Lunch is served at the front gate from 10:45-11:40 and again from 12-12:45, and dinner and breakfast are served in the dining room for shelter guests. 
Kitchen of Champions
Kitchen of Champion Culinary Job Training 'Cohort' is a full-time, 9 week program that provides culinary arts training and job placement support to prepare trainees for positions in food service industry. In the Kitchen of Champions program, students acquire basic training of professional culinary skills and commercial food service as well as personal and professional development skills. Training is offered free of charge by St. Vincent de Paul of Alameda County and is available to low-income, re-entry, and at-risk individuals who face barriers to employment. Training is Tuesday through Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and is located at 675 23rd St. in Oakland. 

SVdP graduates have been successfully employed by Brown Sugar Kitchen, Everett & Jones, Google Inc., Kitchen On Fire, Ms. Ollie's, Preferred Freezer, Roli Roti, Sears Outlet, and the Waterfront Hotel.  

Program offers:
Comprehensive entry-level culinary skills training
SERVSafe Food Handler Certificate
$50/day stipend
Job search and placement support
Presentations and demos by culinary industry experts and other professionals
Field trips to local culinary events and food-services businesses

For more information and application forms, contact us via email or by phone at 510-877-9212 or 510-932-7379.

Community Center

Men's and Women's Centers
Family Support
Technology Work-Space
Overnight Shelter

Food Assistance


​Hot Lunch 5 days a week
Food Locker


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Workforce Development

Workforce Training
Kitchen of Champions
Job Placement Support
Professional Development Support