Harbor House Ministries

Overview

For five decades, Harbor House has served thousands of families through high quality programs that nurture heart, soul, mind, and body. Olive Freeman, a fourth grade teacher in Oakland, noticed that some of her students lacked basic necessities. Compelled by her love of Jesus, Mrs. Freeman responded by gathering food, clothing, and books and handing them out from the trunk of her car. She also began tutoring her students after school. After a while, the local baker and postal carrier joined her in their spare time, followed by other volunteers from Mrs. Freeman's church. They raised funds, prayed, and in time were able to purchase a large Victorian house on the corner of 18th Street and 11th Avenue in the San Antonio district of Oakland.

Mission: Harbor House is a Christian community development organization in Oakland, California. Our mission is to provide a safe place for opportunities, resources, and relationships to be shared so that children, teens, and families may flourish.

Services offered

• Education
• Spiritual formation
• Leadership development
• Summer day camp
• Food and clothing access

Who they help

Youth and/or Parents with Kids

Cost: clothing ($1-3)

Get involved

Tutoring: Tutors are needed M-F for 1-2 hours between 3:00 and 5:30 pm. On-going assistance and support are provided. Application and background check are required. Food distribution: Distribute food to families who are in need every 2nd and 4th Monday from 11:30am-1:30pm or every 1st and 3rd Thursday from 4:00pm-6:00pm. Enrichment club leader: We are looking for volunteers who can come one afternoon per week for an hour to teach an enrichment club of your choosing. Facility maintenance and gardening: Like to garden? Are you handy at fixing things? We could use your help for various projects around Harbor House. Summer volunteer drivers: Each Friday during our Summer Camp, we need volunteer drivers who can help transport our campers to amazing locations like the Redwoods, Alameda Beach, Rockin' Jump, Swimming Pools and more.

Location and service area

1811 11th Avenue