Mc Cray's Rest Home

Pros

• CIL is a very Caring Facility.
• CIL is one of the most productive and helpful Center to US!!!
• The people that work at the CIL, really do care about people with disabilities.
• They are working hard to help physically and mentally challenged people.
• They were helpful.
• Good people are talking.
• Ms J Brown is grateful for her input.

Cons

• The housing case manager forgot an important appointment and later denied meeting the reviewer, leading to disappointment over promised hotel vouchers.
• The reviewer claimed hotel vouchers were promised but never delivered, and that CIL would not employ someone with memory impairment.
• One reviewer called CIL "shady" and advised others to stay away.
• A reviewer described the receptionist as indifferent toward disabled issues and not allowing them to speak to anyone for information.
• A reviewer stated that CIL never returns calls.
• A reviewer criticized pandemic-era cost increases (housing, copays, food, transportation) as a significant barrier.
• A reviewer felt that CIL had gone astray from its original mission.

Review

The collection of experiences surrounding the Center for Independent Living (CIL) in Berkeley presents a portrait of a place that many rely on for independence, guidance, and practical support, even as others describe it as overwhelmed, under-resourced, or uneven in its day-to-day operations. Some reviewers speak with gratitude about the impact CIL has had on their lives, while others recount frustrating miscommunications and disappointments that have left them feeling let down at crucial moments. In this mix you can sense a community trying to navigate scarce resources, evolving expectations, and the complex realities of living with disabilities or mobility challenges.

One of the more pointed critiques centers on a CIL housing case manager who reportedly forgot an important appointment during a time of real need. The reviewer recounts that this person had given a hopeful impression that hotel vouchers might be available and would be pursued after a meeting, only to be told later that no such meeting had occurred and that hotel vouchers aren't provided by the agency. The emotional stakes here are high: the reviewer says they placed a great deal of hope in the voucher, and the resulting letdown felt like a direct consequence of what they described as memory impairment that affected someone's ability to help a homeless person maintain stability. The sentiment voiced is a call for accountability and reliability from staff who are entrusted with sensitive, urgent matters.

Amid these concerns, another stark voice offers a blunt, unambiguous warning: "They are shady, stay away and keep your loved ones away." It's a sharp indictment, reflecting fear and distrust about the organization's practices. While this sentiment sits alongside more positive assessments, it underscores that for some individuals and families, the experience of engaging with CIL can be marked by suspicion or fear of being misled, especially in crises that involve housing, access, or accommodations.

Yet there are equally strong and affirmative testimonies about CIL's positive role. One reviewer describes CIL as a "very Caring Facility" and calls it "one of the most productive and helpful centers" in the United States. They credit a Travel Trainer named Leslie with smoothing the transition from bus to BART, noting Leslie's understanding, patience, and persistent attention to mobility challenges. In addition to mobility training, this reviewer highlights the computer lab's thoughtful accessibility features - the monitor mounted on an adjustable arm and a keyboard tray that can be repositioned to fit the user's perspective. The sentiment here is a clear affirmation of practical, daily benefits that improve independence and confidence, to the point of saying they miss Berkeley and CIL after moving away.

The same thread of usefulness coexists with ongoing housing concerns and logistical hurdles. Reviewers describe ongoing work on relocation housing - seeking single private adult housing or unit rentals that align with a fixed income while preserving independence, safety, and welfare. The language conveys a real tension: the ideal of secure, affordable housing remains elusive in the face of rising costs and bureaucratic obstacles. The reviews also reflect the broader pressures of the pandemic era, with references to Covid-19 procedures, the dramatic uptick in costs for housing, copayments, food, medications, clothing, and transportation (gas), and the emotional toll of navigating these demands while trying to maintain dignity and autonomy.

Despite the financial and procedural strains, there's a sense that having a go-between - an advocacy or representative liaison - can lead to constructive results. One reviewer notes that working with a representative and agents can generate positive resolutions, even as the process is imperfect. On another axis, there's a recurring complaint about communication: "Never return calls" appears as a stark contrast to other accounts, highlighting how crucial timely communication is when people are trying to access services, clarify accommodations, or resolve disputes. These mixed signals about responsiveness contribute to the overall sense that for every success story there is a counterbalance of frustration.

Toward a more hopeful note, many reviewers emphasize the people behind the institution. Statements like "the CIL changed my life," and "the people that work at the CIL, really do care about people with disabilities" convey a strong belief in the organization's core mission and its humanity. There is an awareness expressed by some that the organization has evolved since its early days - "old timers" who were there at the beginning sometimes feel the mission has shifted in a changing world - yet the prevailing tone remains that many staff members are well-intentioned and committed. Several reviewers acknowledge the ongoing effort to balance mission with reality, recognizing that a modern approach must address new challenges while preserving the essential goal of empowering disabled individuals and seniors.

In sum, the experiences with CIL Berkeley present a nuanced picture. For some, CIL is a lifeline that fosters independence, provides practical supports, and offers compassionate staff who make a tangible difference in daily life. For others, the organization can feel unorganized or unresponsive at critical moments, with a sense that precious opportunities - such as housing vouchers, timely communications, or proactive follow-through - slip through the cracks. The recurring themes point to a central truth: when CIL works well, it does so in a way that meaningfully improves people's ability to live independently and with dignity; when it falters, the consequences can be significant, especially for those grappling with homelessness, mobility barriers, or acute housing pressures.

Ms J Brown emerges in the conversation as a notable voice of gratitude and mentorship, recognized for contributing constructively to the discourse around mentoring and support. Her input stands as a reminder that the organization's value is not just in the services it provides, but in the relationships and guidance that help people navigate a complex system. Taken together, the reviews suggest that CIL Berkeley remains a pivotal, if imperfect, hub for disability services and housing advocacy - a place where hopeful outcomes are achievable, but where organizational clarity, reliable communication, and consistent follow-through are essential to turning that potential into lasting change.

Located in the heart of Berkeley, California, this vibrant neighborhood offers a variety of amenities and services that cater to senior living needs. With numerous parks such as Grove Park and Willard Park, seniors can enjoy the outdoors and stay active. Nearby pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS Pharmacy make accessing medications convenient. In terms of healthcare, there are reputable physicians and medical centers such as Sutter Urgent Care and Kaiser Permanente Medical Center within close proximity. Additionally, the area boasts a diverse selection of restaurants like Homemade Cafe and Mezzo, as well as cafes including Caffe Strada and Blue Bottle Coffee for socializing with friends or family. Public transportation options like BART stations and bus stops provide easy access to surrounding areas. Overall, this part of Berkeley is a bustling yet peaceful community that offers everything a senior resident could need for a comfortable lifestyle.

Parks

• Grove Park (0.1 miles)
• Presentation Mini Park (0.8 miles)
• Willard Park (1 miles)
• Temescal Creek Park (1.4 miles)
• Cedar Rose Park (1.6 miles)
• Live Oak Park (1.9 miles)
• Berkeley Rose Garden (2.1 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.4 miles)
• CBCB GFTCRD (0.4 miles)
• Farmacy Berkeley (0.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (0.9 miles)
• Walgreens (1 miles)
• Walgreens (1.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.6 miles)

Physicians

• Sutter Urgent Care: Sutter East Bay Medical Foundation (0.5 miles)
• Berkeley Pediatrics (1.5 miles)
• Kiwi Pediatrics Medical Group (2.3 miles)
• Kaiser Permanente Medical Center - Mosswood Building (2.4 miles)
• One Medical (3.1 miles)
• Sutter East Bay Medical Center (3.3 miles)
• Urology: Sutter East Bay Medical Foundation (5.3 miles)

Restaurants

• Homemade Cafe (0.6 miles)
• Mezzo (1.1 miles)
• Bakesale Betty (1.5 miles)
• McDonald's (1.7 miles)
• Saul's Restaurant and Deli (1.7 miles)
• Fentons Creamery (2.3 miles)
• The Habit Burger Grill (2.4 miles)

Cafes

• Caffe Strada (1.4 miles)
• Highwire Coffee Roasters (1.5 miles)
• Blue Bottle Coffee (2 miles)
• Hal's Office (2.7 miles)
• Bicycle Coffee (4.2 miles)
• Cafe N!ne (4.8 miles)
• Starbucks (6 miles)

Transportation

• Emeryville Amtrak (1.5 miles)
• MacArthur BART Station (1.9 miles)
• El Cerrito Plaza BART Station (3.4 miles)
• West Oakland BART Station (3.7 miles)
• Lake Merritt BART Station (4.1 miles)
• 20/21 Bus Stop (5.2 miles)
• Fruitvale BART Station (6.2 miles)

Theaters

• AMC Bay Street 16 (1.9 miles)

Hospitals

• Kaiser Permanente Oakland Medical Center (2.3 miles)
• Kaiser OB-GYN (2.4 miles)
• Sutter Alta Bates Summit Medical Center: Summit Camps (2.5 miles)
• Highland Hospital (4.6 miles)

Places of Worship

• Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley (4.3 miles)