In December 2020, Harry Mac joined BACS and finally found stability after years of struggle. At first, he stayed in a hotel for six months, where he was treated with care. But the real turning point came when BACS helped him move into a studio apartment. “When I walked in, I saw the stove, the shower, the washer and dryer, and I said, ‘Man, that’s cool.’ I knew this was it.”

Three years later, Harry is still in the same home. He’s built strong relationships with his neighbors, set boundaries to protect his space, and moved away from the people and habits that no longer serve him. “Drugs, alcohol—that’s all gone. I didn’t want that in my house.”

BACS has been there to help him navigate challenges, from advocating for his medical needs to ensuring his case manager stays connected. Now, at 77, Harry is focused on getting stronger, spending time with his son, and sharing his wisdom. “I could help others learn how to change, how to stop using drugs. You reach out for help, talk to people, go to BACS. Living on the street may seem fun at first, but it’s not a game. Keep living, man.”

For Harry, the future is about staying active, reconnecting with family, and making sure others know they don’t have to face their struggles alone. “You don’t need to be outside. You can get a place.”

Before finding stability, Omar spent years moving from place to place—couch-hopping with friends and family, uncertain where he might land next. But in December 2020, with the support of BACS and a little encouragement from his mother, he moved into a place of his own.

“It felt amazing, empowering,” Omar says. “BACS helped with the paperwork, but I did all the praying.”

Getting housed was just the beginning. Over time, Omar’s outlook shifted. “What really changed was my perception—how I look at life. It became more beautiful.” With stable housing came space to explore what brings him joy: music, painting, clothing design, and more. Now, he’s thriving in an artist loft and working toward bold creative goals.

“I’m planning a fashion show and want to open a gallery that features wearable art. I play bass and keyboard, and I want to perform as a one-person band locally.” He’s also learning to set boundaries, respect his space, and prioritize his own growth: “It started with respecting myself.”

Omar’s advice to others navigating homelessness? “Be patient. Don’t give up. Stay persistent.”

Looking ahead, Omar’s vision is clear and bold. “I’m taking over the world—or at least my corner of it.”

Alice moved into her home in October 2018, but her journey to get there was long. Before that, she was unhoused in Alameda for about five years, staying near the beach, sleeping on benches, and trying to get by. One day, while she was resting on a bench, a woman named Lucy approached her.

“She asked me, was I homeless? Did I want help? I said yes—and that same day she got me and my push buggy, and we went to BACS downtown.”

From there, things moved fast. Alice was connected with a BACS staff member who took her around to look at housing options. “She was so polite and courteous,” Alice remembers. “We went to look at this apartment, and I liked it right away. It was clean, it was quiet, it had a big yard. I moved in that same day.”

The process—connecting to services, applying for housing, and getting the keys—took only a week. “It came with a garbage disposal and a washer and dryer. I felt lucky.”

Once housed, Alice got help with everything she needed to stabilize. “Transportation, medical help, hospital visits, psych services, medications, food, clothing, even filling out forms—I had support.”

BACS also helped furnish her apartment with donations: “We fixed up chairs, brought in a table, dresser, bed frame. It was a whole home.”

Now, years later, Alice feels safe, connected, and proud of how far she’s come. “My neighborhood is peaceful. There was only one issue in all these years, and we worked through it. Being housed gave me peace of mind. It cleared up a lot of my health challenges. It helped me heal my mind.”

Alice has built a full life in her community. She joined the church across the street and started participating in local senior centers. “I’m part of the dance program, the movement classes, and I take care of my plants. I have dear neighbors who check in on me, and I check in on them.”

She’s also reconnecting with family. “I’m working on relationships with my daughters, and I get to spend time with my granddaughter now. I want to take trips, explore my neighborhood, go to the flea market at Lake Merritt. Just having conversations with neighbors—that brings me joy.”

Her advice for anyone still waiting to be housed?

“Keep the faith and hope. Don’t give up. There are people in the world who are loving and kind, and they will come to your rescue. Believe in miracles.”

This week, BACS participant Baatunde Jackson reached a meaningful milestone on his journey to independence: receiving a brand-new bike, thanks to the generosity of 100 Black Men of the Bay Area through their 100 Cares initiative.

Mr. Jackson has been working hard to stabilize both his housing and employment, including preparing for a new opportunity connected to BACS’ Project Reclamation initiative.

Mr. Jackson has been working hard to stabilize both his housing and employment, including a new housing opportunity at a BACS Project Reclamation permanent housing site! Reliable transportation had been a major barrier to reaching his goals, especially getting to work consistently. So when 100 Black Men of the Bay Area stepped up to put him on a new bike, his excitement was undeniable — because for him, it’s not just transportation. It’s freedom, opportunity, and hope.

He’s already planning his commute to his new job, with one less barrier standing in his way.

We’re incredibly grateful to 100 Black Men for their partnership and for recognizing that mobility is essential to stability. Together, we’re helping community members like Mr. Jackson move forward — one meaningful step (or pedal) at a time.

When Veronica moved into her new home in November 2024, it marked the end of a long and uncertain journey. She had spent nearly three years in shelters, facing instability and navigating the daily stress of not knowing what came next. Everything changed when she connected with BACS.

Through our local Navigation Center, Veronica got access to essential services—a safe place to sleep and, most importantly, a case manager she calls “a gem.”  There were computers, assistance with applications and locating housing options, and everyone seemed focused on helping her succeed. With support from her BACS team, Veronica completed the paperwork, stayed on track, and found her way to permanent housing.

Seven months later, Veronica is hitting her stride. She just got a vehicle, made new friends, and reunited with family members she hadn’t seen in years. “I’m telling you, having a roof over my head—I feel safe now. There is room to grow. I like my new community.”

Growth has also meant learning to set boundaries and communicate in healthier ways. “I used to be a bit of a pushover, but I’ve been standing my ground. I’m working on my relationship, and everything is improving all around.”

Today, Veronica is setting goals, job hunting, and catching up on doctor and dentist appointments. Her dreams for the future are full of creativity: building wooden playhouses, arranging furniture, and maybe even launching a side business. Her advice for others? Stay engaged. “Talk to people in the community. The volunteers recognize you and network with you. That’s how I got help. Stay active and involved.”

For Veronica, housing has opened the door to possibility—and she’s just getting started.