Intertribal Friendship House

Dear Relatives,

Already this is our second appeal letter written under the impacts of the pandemic and Covid. We are sad to share that in this time we have lost many to the virus despite a strong community-wide practice of vaccination and safety protocols. We hope that you and yours continue to be well in these difficult days and we offer prayers and support to those who struggle with loss and with the insecurities of today’s world.

IFH has been fortunate and able to offer some stability and security to the community. Foremost, gratefully we are still here, not shuttered or permanently closed like other organizations. We responded with supportive services, including providing computer systems / internet access, “survival bags” of food and PPE, and outreach and education to ensure community vaccination and address vaccine hesitancy.

To strengthen our community connections, we improved IFH and community internet capacity and developed our zoom skills. IFH programs were presented as virtual or socially distanced programs with our Drum and Dance moved to Wednesdays and featuring online interviews hosted by Manny Lieras. With IFH now out of quarantine, we are increasingly organizing live cultural workshops and have relaunched our greatly missed elders’ gatherings. IFH has a new Adaptation Plan, to address with resiliency the challenges and obstacle’s we currently face and to help community members heal from the grief of loss and the anger of social injustice.

Our 66th Anniversary celebrations events are a planned an online virtual Native Art Auction November 16th -22nd. A virtual concert with a Twices As Good, a Pomo Blues group on Saturday, November 20th (email invitation requests for both events to ifhoakland@gmail.com).

Food Harvest deliveries of turkey, stuffing, produce, yams, potatoes, and pie to 125 Native Families November 20th-23rd. Holiday food and gifts to 125 + Native Elders and families December 18th- 23rd. IFH needs fully vaccinated volunteers to help with wrapping gifts, non-contact delivery, donating holiday food and momentary donations to help defray the costs. The holidays are always a difficult time for community members.

In all this work, we are indebted to so many who have step up in so many ways. Donors increase their giving, volunteers’ package and deliver survival bags and serve our elders, culture carriers share vitally important traditions and practices that help us through these hard times, and relatives offer up prayers for our collective wellbeing.

We ask for your continued support whether it be for financial donations, services, time, or skills. Like good soil, all these essential contributions create the vital mix that enable us to grow and be a sustaining lifeline for our community. For all you do we are sincerely grateful, and we thank you for your support. We also extend our heartfelt condolences for any losses you have had and wish you and all in your circle health and happiness. If you can help, please send your tax-deductible donations to: IFH, 523 International Blvd, Oakland, CA 94606, or donate securely on our website at www.ifhurbanrez.org by clicking on the donation blanket or at Might Cause.

https://www.mightycause.com/organization/Intertribalfriendshiphouse

Bequests, employer matches, monthly contributions, Facebook birthday fundraisers, in-kind donations, and any suggestions you might share on revenue ideas are welcome. Thanks so much for caring, and for sharing.

Mission: To promote the ability of Native people to thrive in an urban environment through ceremony, traditions and cultural connection. To provide a safe environment to strengthen cultural identity, promote health, inter-generational healing and support the development of extended family.

Vision: We envision a future where Native people in the Bay Area are rooted in strong cultural connection and intergenerational healing, and invested in our traditions that will help future generations survive.

Sincerely,

Carol Wahpepah, IFH Executive Director