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.

Did you know that at our Sister Me Home, Building Futures provides confidential shelter and support services? We offer o...
03/22/2026

Did you know that at our Sister Me Home, Building Futures provides confidential shelter and support services? We offer our neighbors an environment of safety, empowerment, and healing. The shelter provides 20 beds with 24-hour staffing and culturally responsive support services. Sister Me Home is open to all fleeing domestic violence, regardless of gender identification.

We want to share the direct impact with you from one of our participants:

"From the very beginning, the compassionate and dedicated staff made a profound difference in my life. Your unwavering support helped me not only secure a safe and stable living environment but also provided me with the resources I needed to rebuild and thrive."

#2026

Get ready to Jazz It Up! Thursday, May 14 at 5pm.Come ready to connect and be inspired. Enjoy incredible food, wine and ...
03/12/2026

Get ready to Jazz It Up! Thursday, May 14 at 5pm.

Come ready to connect and be inspired. Enjoy incredible food, wine and music. Leave energized by what we can accomplish together.

Join Building Futures for an unforgettable evening of live jazz, a sumptuous seated dinner, open bar, and stories that will move you. Hear directly from frontline staff about the lives being changed every day — then celebrate those wins with our community.

✨ What's included: 🍽️ Seated dinner + open bar + Live jazz

🎟️ Tickets: $75 | Limited availability Don't wait — grab yours before they're gone!

Don't forget to ALSO get your raffles tickets featuring a chance at incredible prizes — including a signed Warriors jersey & a week in a Hawaii beach house!

On this International Women's Day, March 8th, we come together to celebrate the courage and resilience of all the women ...
03/08/2026

On this International Women's Day, March 8th, we come together to celebrate the courage and resilience of all the women and girls within our community.

We pay tribute to the women we serve, the dedicated women on our staff, and the invaluable contributions of our women donors. Together, with wisdom, strength, and love, we strive to foster an environment where individuals can break free from the cycles of domestic violence and homelessness.

Join us in honoring women and mothers by supporting our mission. You can make a meaningful impact by making a secure online donation at www.bfwc.org/donate or by sponsoring our upcoming May 14th event at www.bfwc.org/jazz

International Women's Day is a global holiday celebrated annually on March 8 as a focal point in the women's rights movement, and among others, gives focus to the issue of violence against women. Feliz Día Internacional de la Mujer!

This Monday, March 2nd, Building Future's Executive Director Liz Varela was presented, alongside other community leaders...
03/03/2026

This Monday, March 2nd, Building Future's Executive Director Liz Varela was presented, alongside other community leaders, with the Women's History Month Proclamation by the City of San Leandro. This honor is in recognition of our long-time dedication to advocating for women in our city. We are grateful to be celebrated as a community pillar for so many families by the City of San Leandro, whose many leaders over the past 37 years have served as steadfast partners in this work to build better futures for all. Happy Women's History Month!

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/

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!