Basementeer Spotlight: East Bay
East Bay SPCA
The East Bay SPCA is committed to the welfare of cats and dogs in the communities they serve by striving to eliminate animal cruelty, neglect and overpopulation. They do this by providing programs and education that support people and companion animals. While the future may seem uncertain, there will always be a need to care for abandoned and abused animals in our community who rely on us as their lifeline. Here's a word from them on how you can help!
The East Bay SPCA is taking necessary safety precautions to protect and support their community, shelter animals, staff and volunteers. Adoptions are the cornerstone of the organization and due to the Shelter in Place, they will be implementing a new, temporary process starting the week of 3/29. Please visit our website to learn more. The Dublin location is temporarily closed for all services, including dog boarding.
- Animal Care – We currently have nearly 100 animals in our care, both at our Oakland shelter and in loving foster homes and continue to provide them with the food, medical care and personal attention that they need on a daily basis.
- Veterinary Care – Our full-service veterinary clinic remains open, with staff and veterinarians treating both our shelter animals and our community’s owned pets, by appointment only. We are committed to providing high-quality, accessible care to our community as an essential continued service for animals in need. =
- Emergency Care and Continued Operations - Although our Adoptions and Animal Services are temporarily suspended, we are in regular communication with our municipal shelter partners and other rescues and we are prepared to help with any animals needing emergency assistance at this time. We also anticipate a significant increase in demand for our lifesaving programs and services to continue helping animals in our community when this pandemic eventually subsides.
- Join our Constant Companion monthly giving program.
- Provide reliable, year-round funding for the food, shelter, medical care, training and socialization our shelter animals need.
- Start a Facebook Fundraiser for the East Bay SPCA.
- Become a Basementeer and choose us as your beneficiary!
Berkeley Humane
Our friends at Berkeley Humane have generously shared these tips to help out during these tough times:
1. Pet Food Pantry
These are difficult times for many and some are struggling to feed their pets. Often, people will choose to go hungry so their dog or cat can eat. Berkeley Humane's Pet Food Pantry is here to help. For more information, contact information@berkeleyhumane.org or 510.845.7735
2. Behavior Advice Line
Now that you are spending a lot more time at home, you may have noticed that your precious pet has picked up a bad habit or two. For free advice from licensed trainers and behavior experts, reach out to Berkeley Humane's Behavior Advice Line: 510.845.7735 x 215 or email training@berkeleyhumane.org
Berkeley Humane was our 2019 Brewfest beneficiary. We look forward to hosting them as our 2020 Brewfest beneficiary upon its rescheduling.
Alameda County Food Bank
Communities impacted most by COVID-19 are communities served by Alameda County Community Food Bank. ACCFB is increasing food purchasing and preparing for a prolonged emergency response effort. Gifts can be made at donate.accfb.org.Read more about ACCFB's efforts and know they’re here to help. Visit ACCFB’s resource page in English and Spanish if you're in need of groceries or call the Helpline at (510) 635-3663. Sports Basement staff volunteers at ACCFB every summer (see picture to left from last summer!).
East Oakland’s Esperanza Elementary School - OUSD
Learn more about OUSD and how to help students during this time: The staff of Esperanza Elementary School in East Oakland has created a GoFundMe campaign for the families of their school because of the devastating impact of the coronavirus shelter in place order. Principal Cristina Segura says 75% of the families at the school have lost their jobs because of the pandemic, leaving them in desperate need of resources including food. In fact, the purpose of the GoFundMe is to raise money to buy “groceries and other basic necessities” to help the entire school community make it through this challenging time.
Esperanza is a Title 1 school where 100% of the families qualify for free and reduced price lunches in the best of times. Given that the school has about 350 students, most of whose families are now out of work, the community will need the support to continue going forward.
"We know these unprecedented times are causing unprecedented need," said Superintendent Kyla Johnson-Trammell. "Esperanza is just the first of many cases we expect to see of people in our community needing help. While we are all focused on ensuring that we keep our own families safe from the pandemic, we also need to ensure that all members of our District family are able to keep a roof over their heads and food on the table. Like no other point in recent history, this is a time for us to come together to support our community."
Please click here to donate.