Building Futures

Building Futures Building Futures’ programs and services designed to end homelessness and domestic violence. Visit www.bfwc.org to learn more or learn how you can help!

We are proud to provide Emergency Shelter, Domestic Violence Education, and Housing Services to families and individuals in Alameda County. Building Futures believes everyone deserves a safe place to call home. That's why everyone of our programs and services -- four homeless shelters; a domestic violence safe house; a spectrum of domestic violence outreach and intervention services; supportive housing and a rapid rehousing program -- prioritize linking our clients and shelter residents with housing.

Friend, I am grateful to have you by my side. I know you may be concerned about what 2026 could hold in our nation and r...
01/01/2026

Friend, I am grateful to have you by my side. I know you may be concerned about what 2026 could hold in our nation and right here in Alameda County. There’s a lot at stake. Proposed federal cuts threaten critical homelessness and domestic violence programs nationwide.

Here at home, our community has always stepped up for one another. Thank you for all you do to bring hope, safety, and stability to neighbors who need it most.

Community partners like you change lives for the better. And so do Building Futures’ many partners who provide legal, medical, mental health, childcare services, and so much more, to those we serve.

We are partners in service—strong, diverse, and capable of navigating difficult times together. As we more forward in these uncertain times, Building Futures’ will join with you, our community partners, like we have done for 37 years to address needs and to take action.

Together, we’ll keep building communities where every child, every adult, can thrive because everyone deserves a safe place to call home.

My very best wishes to you and your loved ones.

Sincerely,

Liz Varela
Executive Director

Giving builds futures. Millie came to our shelter to build stability for her twins.“I was determined to do this for my d...
12/31/2025

Giving builds futures. Millie came to our shelter to build stability for her twins.

“I was determined to do this for my daughters.”

Last year, Building Futures supported 2,916 households facing homelessness, domestic violence, and housing instability. Stories like Millie’s are possible because of community partners.

Help more families take that step.

Meet "Mr. Blue". Reginald Blueford's story captures exactly why your support—and our work—matters.Growing up, Mr. Blue h...
12/31/2025

Meet "Mr. Blue". Reginald Blueford's story captures exactly why your support—and our work—matters.

Growing up, Mr. Blue had no protection from domestic violence. He ran away from home at ten, and by twelve was already living a life shaped by trauma. As an adult, despite working nearly four decades as a furniture mover, he experienced homelessness for many years.

During COVID, he cared for his stepfather until he passed away in Mr. Blue’s arms. Heartbroken, he withdrew and began sleeping in his car while still working part-time as a caregiver for a friend.

That’s when Building Futures’ Street Outreach team began checking in. At first, he wasn’t ready for help. But small steps—lunch, laundry, charging his phone—built trust. Our staff encouraged him to visit the Lewelling Shelter, where he became one of the very first guests.

From there, our team worked with Mr. Blue to apply for housing, secure needed repairs, and prepare for stability.

Today, he lives in a brand-new apartment with the support he needs.
“I don’t need much out of life. I have it all now,” he says.

Learn more about Mr. Blue’s housing success story—and the work your support makes possible.

Here's how our community turns a house into a home: With the help of Move-In Kits from Building Futures, Serena and Bran...
12/26/2025

Here's how our community turns a house into a home: With the help of Move-In Kits from Building Futures, Serena and Brandon are settling into new homes with the essentials needed to start fresh—just in time for winter.

✨ Serena fled domestic violence and found a safe apartment for herself, her 7-year-old daughter, and her mom. She now works full time and is overjoyed to come home to peace and stability.
✨ Brandon, 41, is newly housed after years on the streets. With tailored support and his fur baby Luna by his side, he’s reconnecting to care and community.

This is what meeting the moment looks like—creativity, experience, and love in action. Every day, Building Futures helps people overcome the obstacles to being housed.

“Until now, I never in my life had a place where I could say, ‘Let’s go to my house,’” shared resident Reginald Blueford...
12/20/2025

“Until now, I never in my life had a place where I could say, ‘Let’s go to my house,’” shared resident Reginald Blueford.

We’re proud to share the early impact of the Lewelling Shelter and Drop-In Center, opened by Building Futures in June!

With 29 rooms for temporary housing and a Drop-In Center offering showers, laundry, meals, housing navigation, and case management, Lewelling is helping adults experiencing homelessness take critical steps toward stability.

Here are some highlights:
✔️ A couple transitioned into permanent housing
✔️ A resident secured employment within three weeks
✔️ Many more found safety, dignity, and support

This is what hope looks like—one key, one family, one job at a time.In November alone at our Alameda Midway Shelter:🔑 1 ...
12/20/2025

This is what hope looks like—one key, one family, one job at a time.

In November alone at our Alameda Midway Shelter:

🔑 1 neighbor received keys to her new home
🏠 2 families are moving into permanent housing
📈 5 moms secured full-time jobs
💼 2 more individuals are now employed full-time

At Building Futures, we’re proving that housing and stability are possible—even in a time of uncertainty.

But the need is growing. Your gift today helps more families find safety, stability, and a future they can count on.

We are so incredibly grateful for our community. 🫶🏽 Although our gift drive has ended you can STILL support our families...
12/20/2025

We are so incredibly grateful for our community. 🫶🏽 Although our gift drive has ended you can STILL support our families with a gift: http://www.bfwc.org/donate

When our community comes together, we make magic! 15 friends of Building Futures raised $2,993!An additional a huge shou...
12/16/2025

When our community comes together, we make magic! 15 friends of Building Futures raised $2,993!

An additional a huge shoutout to the Via Nova Preschool families for filling an entire trunk with new toys for the holidays! 🎁✨

Endless gratitude to Kera & Nat Binns for opening their home, providing a matching gift, and leading with so much heart. Special thanks to Cristi Ritschel, our Board President, for co-hosting and speaking.

Because our Housing Programs supporters end homelessness. Because 56% of those in our family shelters are children. Your generosity helps local families experiencing homelessness or domestic violence so they make receive safety, support, and stability.

Thank you for being community in action. 💛

As we enter the final days of our Holiday Gift Drive, we are reminded of the power of legacy, love, and community throug...
12/11/2025

As we enter the final days of our Holiday Gift Drive, we are reminded of the power of legacy, love, and community through Vivian’s story.

Vivian found us through google, looking for a way to serve her community. She lost her mother, Audrey, in 2020 after a long battle with breast cancer. Audrey was known for her generosity, and she passed that spirit on to her daughter. To honor her mother’s memory, Vivian hosted a “Giving Party” at her home—inviting friends to celebrate, share food, and bring items from Building Futures’ wishlist. She called it Audrey’s Closet.

She’s continuing this beautiful tradition in honor of her late father, A.C., calling it A.C.’s Closet. Surrounded by family and friends, Vivian and her daughter LaShae gathered 10 boxes of donations and raised $1,700 for families in our programs. They were moved to tears by the love their community poured in.

This is more than a donation drive.

This is a tribute to ancestors who taught us what giving means.

This is how one family’s love becomes a light for many others.

✨ To everyone who has already donated—thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
✨ And if you’re planning to give, don’t delay!

You can leave the shopping to us and make an online donation. Your generosity ensures families, individuals, and children experience warmth, dignity, and joy this holiday season.

Thank you for carrying the light forward. https://bfwc.org/holiday-donate/

Short on time? Big on heart? Let us do the shopping—sponsor holiday joy with a gift.Your contribution ensures that every...
12/11/2025

Short on time? Big on heart? Let us do the shopping—sponsor holiday joy with a gift.

Your contribution ensures that every woman, teen, and child in our care receives something chosen with love and dignity. You make the magic possible; we handle the wrapping.

Be the spark that brightens a family’s holiday.

PICTURED HERE: Mason’s of San Leandro

With great sadness, Building Futures honors the late Stephen Cassidy (1964-2025). Many knew Stephen as San Leandro’s for...
12/10/2025

With great sadness, Building Futures honors the late Stephen Cassidy (1964-2025). Many knew Stephen as San Leandro’s former mayor, a SLUSD board member, and a key voice behind revenue measures for the city and its schools. Others knew of his dedication to the arts. One of the quiet ways he showed his concern for people experiencing homelessness and domestic violence was to serve on Building Futures’ Board of Directors. For years after his service, the agency and its leaders continued to benefit from Stephen’s ideas, generosity, and listening ear. He leaves behind a powerful legacy. Rest in peace, Stephen Cassidy.

Address

1840 Fairway Drive
San Leandro, CA
94577

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+15103570205

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Our Story

Building Futures believes everyone deserves a safe place to call home. That's why every our programs and services -- two homeless shelters; a domestic violence safe house; a spectrum of domestic violence outreach and intervention services; supportive housing and a rapid rehousing program -- prioritize linking our clients and shelter residents with housing. Visit www.bfwc.org to learn more or learn how you can help!