Meet Oscar

Oscar has called Alder House home since 2022. Before moving in, he’d been experiencing homelessness for several years. He learned about Alder House through a case manager at a local organization that was supporting him at the time, and they helped guide him through the move-in process.

Now, living near the community room, Oscar regularly participates in on-site events. He appreciates the weekly pantry service, as well as the food bank that’s available three days a week with donations from Trader Joe’s. He values these services, especially during times when his food supply is running low.

One event Oscar particularly enjoyed was National Night Out—a community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie. Alder House hosted the celebration, bringing together residents and community members over food and refreshments, while also sharing valuable information about local resources.

Oscar has built strong connections with his neighbors, and one of his favorite activities is the monthly painting class, as he enjoys anything art related. For Oscar, these programs are essential—they help residents build relationships and get to know one another. He even suggested hosting a resident art gallery onsite as a way to showcase everyone’s creativity.

Oscar has also built strong relationships with the on-site team. He recalled a moment when his case manager from Community for Positive Aging—one of the project’s resident services partners—brought him a blender from her own home so he could make salsa. He shared that she regularly went above and beyond, connecting with residents and even staying late to support those in need.

Oscar loves collaborating with fellow residents. He finds it deeply meaningful to be part of an environment where neighbors come together to support one another and enhance the quality of life for the whole building. Small acts of kindness and genuine connections—along with a shared passion for art—have made a lasting impression on Oscar and strengthened his sense of community at Alder House.