Our History

Elizabeth House opened in 1991 as one woman's response to the needs of homeless women and children she met on the streets of Berkeley and Oakland. Pat Lindstadt sought to offer support in a variety of ways that would enable the guests to regain both a sense of control over their lives, and ultimately, independent living.

Since then, we have grown steadily, and currently make our home in the former convent at St. Augustine Church in North Oakland. Our size and the number of services we offer have grown in response to the increasing needs of the poor and oppressed in our community.

The founding values of hospitality, hope, empowerment, personalism, community, compassion and nonviolence all remain integral components of Elizabeth House more than fourteen years later.