Oakland Nonprofit SoleSpace Lab Surpasses Fundraising Goal After Devastating Break-In

The Oakland community has rallied in support of SoleSpace Lab, a local nonprofit organization focused on youth creative education, after a devastating break-in threatened its programs. A successful crowdfunding campaign raised over $9,000, exceeding its original goal and ensuring the lab can replace its stolen equipment and reopen its doors.

The burglary occurred in early April 2026 at the shared workspace of SoleSpace Lab and Oakland Style Lab. Co-director Jeff Perlstein discovered that thieves had breached the building, disabled security cameras, and stolen critical tools. The stolen items included eight sewing machines, a 3D printer, a laser cutter, two laptops, an airbrush kit, and a video projector—equipment essential for the organization’s youth fashion design, upcycling, and sustainable footwear design workshops.

The incident was part of a larger security breach in the building, where another youth-focused organization, The Pinkney Foundation, also suffered theft. In response to the loss, Perlstein launched a GoFundMe campaign with a goal of $6,900 to replace the stolen equipment and install enhanced security features, including new security gates and cameras.

Thanks to overwhelming support from local residents and advocates, the campaign quickly surpassed its target. The nonprofit expressed its deep gratitude to the community and announced plans for a grand reopening event in late May 2026 to celebrate their resilience and resume their impactful youth programs.