The FREEdom School, a free independent high school in East Oakland, had thousands of dollars' worth of equipment stolen, adding more challenges to the already struggling educational facility. Opening in September 2023, the school that aims to serve at-risk youth now faces the difficult reality of asking for donations in order to replace the stolen items and install additional security measures.
Burglars break into new Freedom School of @HomiesEmpower & steal $6K in gear, a month before campus for at-risk youth opens for 1st time in East Oakland. @oaklandpoliceca on case. 5,6,7:20 p.m. @KTVU @gofundme: https://t.co/2UxgCzUatI pic.twitter.com/Gj8XDT2mq7
— Henry K. Lee (@henrykleeKTVU) August 2, 2023
As reported by Henry K. Lee, KTVU, burglars broke into the new Freedom School and got away with approximately $6,000 worth of gear, including laptops, projectors, power saws, and microphones, among other things.
According to the school's GoFundMe page, the FREEdom School is now attempting to raise funds for replacing not just the stolen items, but also to cover the cost of implementing a robust security system, and re-keying the building. They're seeking to raise money for 8 laptops ($3,000), 2 projectors ($800), a power saw ($200), 4 microphones ($400), the security system ($1,000), and fixing the doors ($4,600).
Beyond the financial loss, the burglary significantly impacts the school's ability to open and provide the necessary resources for its at-risk students, making it all the more essential to gather support from the community
In the face of such adversity, the FREEdom School remains determined to open its doors come September, hoping to provide a nurturing space for East Oakland's youth. As the Oakland Police Department investigates the case, community members are banding together to raise necessary funds and support.
