A homeless woman in Oakland, California, stole a bag containing $1,000 worth of donations from a city council candidate's campaign kickoff event, highlighting the city's ongoing homelessness crisis.
A homeless woman in Oakland, California, stole a bag containing $1,000 worth of donations from a city council candidate's campaign kickoff event, highlighting the city's ongoing homelessness crisis.
The incident occurred at the campaign launch event for Nick Resnick, a candidate for the Oakland City Council's District 2 seat. Resnick said the bag contained money, checks, and credit card receipts.
Oakland Homeless Crisis: Homeless Woman Steals Candidate's Fundraising Money
"I was just devastated," Resnick told local media. "It was all the money we had raised for the campaign."
The homeless woman, who has not been identified, was seen on video surveillance footage taking the bag from a table where it was being watched by a campaign volunteer. The volunteer said she had stepped away for a moment when the woman grabbed the bag and ran.
Oakland Homeless Crisis: Homeless Woman Steals Candidate's Fundraising Money
Police were called to the scene, but they did not arrive before the woman had fled. Resnick said he was frustrated by the lack of police response.
"It's really disappointing that the police didn't show up," Resnick said. "This is a serious crime, and it's a sign that the city is not doing enough to address the homelessness crisis."
Oakland Homeless Crisis: Homeless Woman Steals Candidate's Fundraising Money
The Oakland Police Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The incident comes as Oakland grapples with a growing homelessness crisis. According to a recent report by the Bay Area News Group and Joint Venture Silicon Valley, nearly half of Bay Area residents considered leaving the region in the next few years due to the rising cost of living and homes. The report also found that 80% of residents cite housing prices as an issue and 79% share concern about the homelessness issue.
Oakland Homeless Crisis: Homeless Woman Steals Candidate's Fundraising Money
"The homeless situation in Oakland is out of control," Resnick said. "We need to do more to help these people get back on their feet."
Resnick said he plans to continue his campaign despite the setback. He said he hopes to raise more money and work with other candidates to address the homelessness crisis in Oakland.
"We need to come together as a community and find solutions to this problem," Resnick said. "We can't let the homeless people in our city suffer."
The theft of Resnick's campaign funds is a reminder of the challenges facing candidates in Oakland. The city's high crime rate and homelessness crisis can make it difficult to run a successful campaign.
However, Resnick said he is committed to making a difference in Oakland. He said he believes that the city can become a more just and equitable place for all its residents.
"I'm not going to give up on Oakland," Resnick said. "I'm going to keep fighting for the people who live here."
