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.

Jazz It Up! is a special night that brings together friends and longtime supporters who care deeply about our community—...
02/27/2026

Jazz It Up! is a special night that brings together friends and longtime supporters who care deeply about our community—250 business leaders, civic partners, and supporters committed to strengthening Alameda County and building resilient futures for all. During this time its also a reminder to celebrate all that we have built together. With proposed federal funding cuts threatening critical services, the support of people who know and believe in this work is critical. We don't waiver, we are here to fill the need, in the good times and the bad.

The funds raised support our homelessness, domestic violence, and housing programs, and help families move into new homes with dignity and stability.

https://bfwc.org/jazz/

We’re heading into rainy season! If you’re looking for a way to shake off the winter blues, here's how: we need some ite...
02/26/2026

We’re heading into rainy season! If you’re looking for a way to shake off the winter blues, here's how: we need some items in our shelters to keep our neighbors warm. This is just one feel good way to make some local good and help us prepare for the next rainfall.

If you have any of the below you can drop them off at the Lewelling Shelter and Drop-In Center San Leandro, and bring some warmth to our community! Please make an appointment before you drop off any item donations.

Immediate need:
-Any gently used men’s clothing
-Rain coats for all
-Shoes

Needed for outreach:
-Sleeping bags
-Blankets
-Tents

https://bfwc.org/services/lewelling

Celebrating Black History Month, today staff of Building Futures gathered to take time and appreciate those who came bef...
02/25/2026

Celebrating Black History Month, today staff of Building Futures gathered to take time and appreciate those who came before us and paved the way. We celebrated and reflected on the strength and the beauty of our communities.

Over lunch, we enjoyed connecting, laughing and delicious homemade food. A highlight was celebrating in our Oakland Office: The Family Housing Resource Center of Family Front Door.

Grateful for our staff. Honored to do this work alongside one another. Everyday.

#2026

Save the Date! Join us at Building Futures' annual benefit, Jazz It Up! 2026, on 5/14/26 at 5pm at BLOC15 in Oakland. Ev...
02/25/2026

Save the Date! Join us at Building Futures' annual benefit, Jazz It Up! 2026, on 5/14/26 at 5pm at BLOC15 in Oakland.

Event tickets are $75 and sales begin 3/10, sure to sell out!

www.bfwc.org/jazz..

Jazz It Up! is a high-visibility community event that brings together 250 business leaders, civic partners, and supporters committed to strengthening Alameda County.

Call for Support! Sponsorship of Jazz It Up! includes meaningful brand visibility—both at the event and throughout our marketing—while directly supporting our homeless, domestic violence, and housing programs.

Today, there’s a lot at stake. Proposed federal cuts threaten critical homelessness and domestic violence programs nationwide. But here at home, our community has always stepped up for one another. Now is the time for our supporters to show up. Your Jazz It Up! sponsorship pledge today brings hope, safety, and stability to neighbors who need it most.

Ramadan Mubarak to all who are observing this month. We honor its spirit of compassion, generosity, and care for those ...
02/20/2026

Ramadan Mubarak to all who are observing this month. We honor its spirit of compassion, generosity, and care for those in need.

These values are at the heart of everything Building Futures does too. Together our communities show up for our neighbors experiencing homelessness and domestic violence, every single day.

💛 February is a time to recommit to love—for ourselves, for each other, and for our community.At Building Futures, that ...
02/19/2026

💛 February is a time to recommit to love—for ourselves, for each other, and for our community.

At Building Futures, that means showing up for neighbors rebuilding their lives after homelessness and domestic violence—especially children. Last year, more than half of residents at our Midway, San Leandro, and Sister Me Home shelters were kids.

We deliver our services to our young residents with warmth, dignity, and care. Because every child deserves safety, stability, and the chance to thrive.

Community is what makes that possible. ❤️

If you're able to step up, we invite you to join our Circle of Strength as a monthly donor!

Circle of Strength members provide a steady stream of support that keeps Building Futures' programs strong. You're in control—change or stop your monthly gift at any time.

Ready to make an impact? Contact our Development Department at give@bfwc.org

Liz Varela, Building Futures' Executive Director, has been honored with the G.G. Greenhouse Community Hero Award by Alam...
02/18/2026

Liz Varela, Building Futures' Executive Director, has been honored with the G.G. Greenhouse Community Hero Award by Alameda County Health Care for the Homeless (ACHCH) —and we couldn't be more proud.

Under Liz's leadership, we served over 2,100 individuals in 2023-2024 and helped hundreds transition from homelessness to permanent housing. Her ability to build partnerships, raise awareness, and inspire our entire community to fight for equity makes her truly deserving of this recognition. Thank you, Liz, for showing us what compassionate leadership looks like every single day and to you for partnering with us to take care of our community. This award belongs to all of us working toward building better futures.

https://www.achch.org/

Happy Lunar New Year! 2026 welcomes the Year of the Horse, according to the Chinese lunar calendar. Celebrated by millio...
02/17/2026

Happy Lunar New Year!

2026 welcomes the Year of the Horse, according to the Chinese lunar calendar. Celebrated by millions around the world, this is a time for cultural traditions, family reunions, and hopes for good fortune in the coming year.

In 2026, Lunar New Year falls on February 17th, kicking off the 16-day Spring Festival.

As we leave behind the introspective and intuitive Year of the Snake, the Year of the Horse gallops in with vibrant and fiery energy, symbolizing adventure, vitality, and momentum.

Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, marks the start of a new zodiac cycle based on the Chinese lunar calendar. Each year, the date shifts within the Gregorian calendar. This festival is celebrated worldwide, particularly in Asian countries like China. Festivities include red decorations, elaborate meals, thorough cleaning of homes, and visiting family. A major tradition involves lighting firecrackers, originating from the legend of the monster Nian.

Lunar New Year is celebrated in many Asian countries beyond China. In Korea, Seollal involves honoring ancestors and eating rice cake soup, while in Vietnam, Tết is marked by decorating homes with peach blossoms and giving lucky money to children.

We're carrying the warmth of this community into Valentine's Day 💛From babies to elders, the smiles said it all. This is...
02/14/2026

We're carrying the warmth of this community into Valentine's Day 💛

From babies to elders, the smiles said it all. This is YOUR impact in action. We are grateful for every way that you show up.

Every time this community steps up, you remind our program participants: You are seen. You matter. You are not alone.

We're deeply grateful to the businesses, clubs, faith groups, and hundreds of individuals who show up every day. Community support isn't abstract—you can feel it in moments like these.

Even in difficult times, there is room for care, dignity, and yes—magic. ✨

Carrying that spirit with us feels like both a responsibility and a gift.

Thank you for being the heart of this community. ❤️

“The San Leandro Shelter uplifted us.We are so grateful that you took my call.”—Steph, a newly housed mom of two toddler...
02/13/2026

“The San Leandro Shelter uplifted us.
We are so grateful that you took my call.”

—Steph, a newly housed mom of two toddlers

February is a time to reflect on the ways love shows up in our communities—especially during uncertain times. Last year, Building Futures served more than 78,000 meals at our emergency shelters, offering safety, nourishment, and dignity to Alameda County families.

This is what local care looks like. It’s an abundance of love and action. And it changes lives.

This Black History Month we commemorate and appreciate those who came before us and paved the way. In these times it’s i...
02/03/2026

This Black History Month we commemorate and appreciate those who came before us and paved the way. In these times it’s important to uplift Black voices and celebrate the strength and beauty of our communities.

"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere" - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (Image posted by )
01/19/2026

"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere" - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

(Image posted by )

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

Website

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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!