Emeryville Citizens Assistance Program, or “ECAP”, hosted its annual holiday dinner at Anna Yates Elementary for members of the community that need our help the most. Nellie Hannon, who founded and has run ECAP for 27 years, was a former Emeryville City Councilmember and a longtime community leader. Volunteer support for the event was provided by the Alameda County Fire Department and food was prepared by Chef Charles Joseph. The annual event generally feeds 350-400 local people. ECAP relies on contributions from the community to sustain these services and is looking for support to meet its fundraising goals.

Video and stills provided by Ken Bukowski’s EPOA YouTube Channel.

ECAP, located in the Star Intersection of San Pablo, Adeline & MacArthur, regularly passes out food and clothing to needy members of the Emeryville, North & West Oakland Communities where lines can often be seen stretching the entire block. A longtime General Motors and NUMI employee who’s lived in Emeryville since 1959, Hannon’s life was altered after a car accident temporarily impaired her mobility and claimed her husband’s life. She’s been advocating for those in need ever since. Hannon was honored by the Emeryville City Council back in 2012 for her years of selfless contributions.

ECAP used to be supported by the Emeryville Redevelopment Agency by paying their lease and cost of utilities. It cost the Redevelopment Agency about $45K per year (a similar subsidy provided to Emeryville’s Chamber of Commerce). With the end of the Redevelopment Agency in 2011, the financial support for ECAP disappeared. ECAP also lost its tax-exempt status due to a clerical error in 2012. Ohana Community Outreach stepped in to help support ECAP and keep the doors open giving them time to regain the tax-exempt charity status and sustain their services to the needy. The City now helps support ECAP through our General Fund.

In addition to helping support this annual holiday events, contributions to ECAP go toward:

• Helping pay organizational overhead including utilities & vehicle delivery fuel & maintenance
• Purchase & distribute bulk food for distribution to those in need
• Fund Holiday programs like Toys for Tots and Thanksgiving & Christmas food baskets

For many residents, ECAP is the place of last resort when state & federal services are inadequate. ECAP is the only non-profit directly and exclusively serving Emeryville. At the time of year when people are the most charitable, why not make a difference in the community that you can realize the most impact? Year-end, tax-deductible charitable contributions to ECAP can be dropped off at their San Pablo location between 10am & 4pm or mailed to:

Emeryville Citizens Assistance Program
3610 San Pablo Avenue
Emeryville, CA 94608

They can be contacted through email at ecaprogram13@gmail.com or phone at (510) 499-1263.