Michael is a self-described “foodie.” He likes watching the Food Network and experimenting with ingredients on the cooking shows. Michael thrives on kale, couscous and salmon – he loves salmon. He made salmon and fire-roasted bell peppers for New Year’s Day.
“I’m a food snob,” he says with a warm smile. “I lived in Italy for a few years. My Mom is a phenomenal cook.”
But for someone like Michael – and others on fixed incomes – eating healthy on a strict budget can be a challenge. Michael, who is HIV+ and lives in Oakland, has been receiving nutritious meals and groceries at Project Open Hand’s East Bay Nutrition Center since 2015.
At the time, Michael was a step up from homelessness, living in transitional housing in West Oakland. A case worker referred him to Project Open Hand because of his HIV+ diagnosis. Michael applied. He started picking up a seven-pack of frozen meals and groceries.
POH has been providing meals with love in Oakland since 1989. The Nutrition Center, at 1921 San Pablo Avenue, provides a place for clients and caregivers to pick up groceries and medically-tailored meals; meet with nutritionists; and check-in. Approximately 90% of all POH clients live below the poverty line, and 40% of clients who receive meals and groceries have HIV.
Michael, age 53, receives General Assistance income, and is on a waitlist for SSI benefits. He has since moved out of the Rosa Parks house, and into his own apartment with the help of veteran’s assistance. Michael served four years in the Navy from 1983 to 1987, and was stationed in Italy. In the Navy, he developed a knack for cutting hair. After leaving the Navy, he studied at Ogle School of Hair in Dallas and stayed in Dallas after graduation to develop his craft, working and being mentored by well-known hair dressers.
But Michael, who grew up in San Francisco and Daly City in the 1960s and ‘70s, missed California. He moved home, started working at a hair salon in Emeryville – and after coming to terms with who he is, he began to self-medicate.
Michael has struggled for years with an addiction. He tried at least three times to get clean and sober, going through three rehab attempts. His faith in God, his family, and hobbies such as creative writing, watching movies, and cooking help keep him grounded in reality.
And he still loves styling hair. His specialty is natural hair for black women (a la Michelle Obama). He loves to cut and style hair for his four nieces, ages 24 to 17.
Michael was diagnosed HIV+ in 2000 and was resistant to medication for years. At one point, in 2003, he began fasting as an alternative to medication. His roommate, who also had HIV, told him he had to eat for his HIV medication to work. He has taken his anti-viral medication daily now for a year and a half.
When he picks up his regular meals and groceries, he also receives a special Project Open Hand bag, which contains additional food as part of the study. Michael takes the bus to the Oakland program site, and joked that the large bags are his “Usher workout,” referring to the singer.
“I couldn’t always make healthy choices in life. Project Open Hand helps me put the focus on a healthy life,” he said. “I just want to do what it takes to keep healthy and happy.”