Making Space for the Oakland Community
Author
Block
Author
Block
With a focus on supporting local culture, in 2022 we opened the Oakland Community Space — a free, reservable space on the first floor of the historic Uptown Station building, which houses Block’s Oakland office.
Leading up to the opening of our Oakland office, we met with community stakeholders to better understand how we could serve and support Oakland residents. Their feedback led us to create a space for meetings and events within the historic Uptown Station building that city residents can reserve and use without cost.
Since our move into the space in early 2020, nonprofits and small businesses have experienced displacement in the Uptown area with rising rents and gentrification. By providing this type of shared space, we’re able to demonstrate our values as we foster inclusion and economic empowerment opportunities.
“We’re focused on providing a blank canvas for community groups to host a wide range of events like board meetings, community gatherings, small business assistance workshops, and celebrations that build meaningful connections and foster a sense of belonging in the community.”
The Oakland Community Space is a place for 501(c)(3) East Bay community organizations to gather, collaborate, and have fun. Since the space launched in August 2022, it has hosted more than 100 events in support of 50+ local nonprofit organizations, including a workshop for small businesses on accepting all forms of payment in partnership with East Bay Asian Local Development Corporation, a pop-up market hall hosted by the Black Cultural Zone, and a live art competition organized by the Bay Area Mural Program.
Author
Block
With a focus on supporting local culture, in 2022 we opened the Oakland Community Space — a free, reservable space on the first floor of the historic Uptown Station building, which houses Block’s Oakland office.
Leading up to the opening of our Oakland office, we met with community stakeholders to better understand how we could serve and support Oakland residents. Their feedback led us to create a space for meetings and events within the historic Uptown Station building that city residents can reserve and use without cost.
Since our move into the space in early 2020, nonprofits and small businesses have experienced displacement in the Uptown area with rising rents and gentrification. By providing this type of shared space, we’re able to demonstrate our values as we foster inclusion and economic empowerment opportunities.
“We’re focused on providing a blank canvas for community groups to host a wide range of events like board meetings, community gatherings, small business assistance workshops, and celebrations that build meaningful connections and foster a sense of belonging in the community.”
The Oakland Community Space is a place for 501(c)(3) East Bay community organizations to gather, collaborate, and have fun. Since the space launched in August 2022, it has hosted more than 100 events in support of 50+ local nonprofit organizations, including a workshop for small businesses on accepting all forms of payment in partnership with East Bay Asian Local Development Corporation, a pop-up market hall hosted by the Black Cultural Zone, and a live art competition organized by the Bay Area Mural Program.