Tuesday, February 27 at 12:30 PM

Bio

A native of Oakland born at Highland hospital, at 6 months old, Vincent was placed into foster care. At age 9, he became unhoused, and would remain that way until he was 33. The whole time, Vincent cycled through the system of countless foster homes, group homes, juvenile halls, and mental health facilities. 

In 2019, after serving 4 years 8 months and 19 days on a 7 year sentence in the California Department of Corrections, Vincent was released, only to find himself unhoused again, with no resources, and afraid that he would find himself battling life on the streets again.

Vincent saw the state of his community, and noticed the lack of care given to public spaces, and decided that he would focus on making them safer, humane spaces for all. His experience was one that told him that if there was any real chance for change, it would have to start with a model of individual care. So he began cleaning parks, and encampments. Spending hours pulling tons of trash and debris out of these areas. He would involve the unhoused in these areas, and never left without making sure they had the tools and equipment needed to continue sustainability efforts themselves. And so was born the Urban Compassion Project.

Vincent's vision for starting the community based project, was to inspire the community in pitching in in our public spaces. That everyone, regardless of age, race, sexual identity or economical class, had a safe space to be part of the community.

Vincent brings with him the knowledge he learned as Operations Manager and Benefits manager at The Oakland LGBTQ Community Center. A center that he largely accredits to his personal growth. In helping him express himself through community based work. With love and compassion. He has a passion for selfless work in society, and human rights. He is a champion for at-risk youth. And a firm advocate for the rights and just treatment of people of color, as well as the unhoused.

Vincent has been clean and sober since 2012.