IESHIA MOSS profile by Kheven LaGrone

31-year old Ieshia Moss was born in Oakland and grew up in east and west Oakland.  However, she can no longer afford to the rent in her hometown. Four years ago, she was living with her disabled mother and her then 5-year old son.  They lost their Section 8 housing and have been homeless ever since.  They lived in a camper, but it was towed away. So for the past year, she has lived in a West Oakland homeless encampment. 

West Oakland Commerce Association members looking for an employee should consider Ms. Moss. She has training and experience in office work.  She is looking for a job, but she has no bus fare for a job hunt or interviews outside of West Oakland.

The West Oakland Commerce Association complained that they had trouble finding employees because people coming from the outside were turned off by the encampments. The association will not have this problem in considering Ms. Moss for employment.  She will not be surprised to see an encampment or be afraid to pass it because she is currently living in one.  In addition, hiring Ms. Moss, even part-time, will help ensure that West Oakland’s economic development includes this Oakland native. 

In addition to looking for a job, Ms. Moss is actively looking for housing.  She has applied for Section 8 housing throughout the country, but has not received it.

Ms. Moss is a registered voter. She distributed voter registration forms at her encampment.