Our Mission

Founded by Black Panther Auntie Frances Moore & Darnel Parks in 2009, Self-Help's mission is to build unity and self determination through care programs that provide food, cultural nourishment and support to North Oakland & South Berkeley residents.

We represent a collective of folks who live in the South Berkeley/North Oakland neighborhood and community. Some of us are without homes or shelter; some of us were born and raised in the area — but ALL OF US are simply drawn together BONDING WITH EACH OTHER. Regardless of our present state or economic status, WE COME TOGETHER (not always easy — but we do it)! We believe that the positive energy, the drive and a divine inspiration lead us to pull together as a unified community of SELF-HELP (each one help one) thus, we endeavor to provide HELP & SERVICES to individuals and families not merely to help them survive but to help them THRIVE!

Check out our care programs!

  • Free hot Meals

  • Quarterly "Public Land for Public Good" community celebrations and meals

  • Monthly work parties in the Community at the Memorial Fruit Tree Orchard

  • Free legal aid, rides to doctor's appointments/ hospitals, bureaucratic support

  • Housing support (counseling, transitional, etc.)

  • Job training and preparedness

Our Partners: OCUEJ, POOR Magazine, Manna from Heaven/ Roof over their heads, Berkeley Food Network, East Bay Community Law Center, Stupski Foundation, People’s Life Fund, City of Oakland Economic Development, StopWaste, Common Archives, Friends of Adeline, Isky Soups, Planting Justice, OMNI Village, VM Rebecca Kaplan.

Our Problems, our solutions

 
 
 
 
 

Team SHHP

“Aunti” Frances Moore

Former Black Panther, Aunti has the energy and drive of 100. She’s been able to gather around her a large community of equal minded people with the purpose of serving the people. Born an activist, she established the Self Help Hunger Program together with 15 years ago straight out of her kitchen.

Read more about Aunti in this EastBay article

BC Crawford

Having been through hell and back, BC is on a path of self imposed happiness as he says. That means taking each day with a good attitude and a positive look. He can be seen daily at the Plaza beautifying the place and spreading good vibes to anyone who passes by.

 

Rachel Aronson and Emmett Harris

Rachel is our master organizer. She is the produce coordinator: stocking the produce stand, keeping in contact with donors, creating new connections, scheduling and picking up donations. Part of the NEW SHHP Generation, she’d bringing the energy and enthusiasm that will build the future of the program.


Emmett is our Uncle. Always helping anyone needed it in any capacity. He’s “LETS DO IT” attitude is keeping the inner workings of the Driver Plaza going.

Bernard Pierce

Bernard is head of transportations and logistics. He makes sure to bring on time donations from our donors, as well as for two other organizations. He is also in charge of cleaning and is religious about it!

 

Sofia Tudose

Sofia is in charge of all things administrative. She is new to the neighborhood and has been volunteering since 2019. She is trying to use her skills in helping people and offering them access to the opportunities that technology or computer literacy might otherwise prevent them from accessing.

Mashiki “Sheik” Mosley Jr

Sheik is part of the New Generation. He’s a dedicated cook, preparing meals of over 50 people every Tuesdays. He’s also part of th core group organizing events at the Driver Plaza. He’s skills sets are all encompassing: people organizing, music, marketing, public speaking, cooking. He’s also a great person to have around.

 

Momii Palapaz

Momii is one of the greatest community organizers out there. Her dedication to the cause and her hard work have helped Self Help Hunger take shape and expand its message to the world. Her camera is always pointed at someone, documenting the day to day activities at the Plaza. She is also our Events Manager, and our point of contact to numerous other organizations.

Aaron “EDBO” Robinson

Aaron is a beloved community member who is always ready to cook for the masses. He’s been grilling and cooking at the Plaza for years, but in the last few months he’s joined our Community Cooks program and is cooking for over 70 people every Thrusday. Seen here towering with Linda (our newest Cooks trainee) to the left and Isky (the long time cook who’s been serving delicious soups at Driver Plaza for years).

 

Cindy Shi

Cindy is our Cooks Program Coordinator. Her amazing organizational skills are only matched by her dedication to food justice. Her great communication skills cement our team and make us a great functioning whole.

Annie

Annie is one of our long standing volunteers, having served the programs for years. She is in charge of handing out the donations each Tuesday and Thursday, making sure everyone gets a fair share. Annie is seen here with other SHHP volunteers: Crystal and Tanala to her right and left.

 

Arlene Edwards and Sue Mark

Our garden at the Plaza has a very special angel with green thumbs. That is Arlene. Seen almost daily pulling weeds, planting and maintaining our garden of Souls, Arlene is also a great teacher, training the new generation of gardeners.

Sue is the brain behind Common Archives and Hear Hear project connecting the North Oakland Community through stories and conversation starters. She’s a great partner to our program, supporting our events and communication with the neighborhood.

Miss OK

Miss OK is a long standing volunteer of Self Help organizing and handing out donations. Her support is part of the great tapestry that makes serving hundreds of people weekly possible.

 

Erik Ferry

Erik is our devoted and talented grant writer making all our programs come true with the much needed help from generous donors. When not writing epic Nordic historical fiction books or playing guitar at Irish parties, Erik is a dedicated volunteer with many heavy boxes lifted for the cause.

Eugenia Bowman Crews and Kampol Crews

Board members, volunteers, supporters and guardian angels. Eugenia helped restructure the organization when faced with difficulties. She also donated time and energy to building the operations at the Plaza.

Kampol has offered close to a hundred hours of touch therapy to the patrons of the Plaza with his magic touch and that of his apprentices. tranquilityRx can be found every Tuesday at the Plaza giving much needed soothing therapy to trauma survivors.