BACS) is proud to announce a major investment in mental health care: a $32 million award from the State of California to build Waypoint Mental Health Rehabilitation Center (Waypoint MHRC) — a secure, recovery-focused facility in Hayward that will bring 83 new mental health beds to Alameda County.

Funded by the Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program (BHCIP) as part of Governor Gavin Newsom’s bold initiative to overhaul California’s behavioral health system, this award supports shovel-ready projects that will keep people out of jails, emergency rooms, and homelessness.

“Waypoint MHRC will be a place of healing and safety for people with the most complex needs — people who have been left out of the system for too long,” said Jovan Yglecias, BACS Chief Operating Officer. “This is what it means to build hope.”

Fewer than one-third of counties in California currently have MHRCs, even though they are one of the most critically needed mental health services. Alameda County has among the longest psychiatric hospital stays and highest rates of 5150 holds, and too many people are stuck in a cycle of crisis because they can’t access long-term, community-based care. Waypoint MHRC will change that.

With on-site psychiatric and medical care, therapy, wellness activities, and more, Waypoint MHRC will meet the moment — offering trauma-informed, holistic support in a setting built for dignity and recovery.

The project is in deep partnership with the City of Hayward and Alameda County, and complements nearby services at BACS’ REGIS Village, creating a full continuum of care for our community.

“Waypoint is more than a building — it’s a lifeline.” — Benjamin Blake, Interim CEO

For two years, Wanda lived on the streets of East Oakland, struggling to find stability. In September 2020, everything changed when she connected with BACS. She was first placed in a motel, and just two months later, she moved into an apartment—one she describes as beautiful and exactly what she had hoped for. “It was the area I wanted, it had a swimming pool, and I was close to the grocery stores.”

From the moment she walked through the door, Wanda felt at home. “I didn’t even want to come outside,” she recalls. The program helped her get set up with essentials, and from there, she kept upgrading, making her space truly her own.

Beyond housing, BACS helped Wanda feel human again. After years of stress, anxiety, and health struggles, she found a doctor through BACS who supported her healing. She’s since undergone surgeries for cataracts, improved her mobility, and is setting new goals—like taking walks around the lake and even going back to school for computer classes.

Wanda’s advice to others? “Go sign up for BACS. Some people didn’t listen when I did, and they missed out. It is a beautiful program. They handle business.”

Today, Wanda takes life one day at a time, grateful for her home, her health, and the support that helped her rebuild.

When Dee first connected with BACS in June 2017, she had been moving between shelters from San Francisco to San Lorenzo, struggling to find stability. She was at a crossroads—forced to choose a city to stay in, with no clear path forward. Then, relatives heard about BACS and encouraged her to seek help. That decision changed everything.

By 2018, Dee moved into her current apartment. But while she had a roof over her head, she still faced many challenges. “For about three months, I had no furniture, no bed,” she recalls. “A neighbor lent me an air mattress, and my case manager got me a bed. That same neighbor gave me a chair and couch, and we developed a great friendship.” It took time to adjust—learning how to organize her new space, navigate the city, and get familiar with the local transit system. Then, she had a moment of realization: “I actually remembered this area from when I was very young, and that made me feel more secure in the neighborhood.”

BACS’ support extended far beyond housing. Staff helped her find grocery stores, figure out transportation, and get connected to case management, medical care, and community resources. Through BACS, Dee found Lifelong 360 services, which provided her with essential healthcare and mental health support. “I got mental health support for PTSD, which I now understand a lot of clients have,” she says. “Being a female put me in a lot of danger. I am small, so men who were much larger than me tried to protect me, but it was still hard being on the street.”

Through therapy, Dee learned how to set boundaries and manage stress. She worked on coping with anxiety and processing traumatic memories. “I had to learn tools for coping. It has made me stronger. I have learned to cope more openly and not shut down. BACS has helped me in so many areas, and they just check on me to make sure I am well and happy.”

Now in her mid-70s, Dee is focused on maintaining her health and pursuing her passions. “I knit, sew, crochet, and stay active. I love gardening—I want a vegetable and herb garden with tomatoes, string beans, and zucchini.” She also enjoys woodworking and has been assembling a sewing table for her projects. Looking back, she acknowledges how far she has come: “I worked very hard to improve myself with the help of BACS. I have a home, food, and clothing. But I’m not a ten yet—I still have other projects I want to finish.”

For those who are struggling, Dee offers words of encouragement: “I always tell people to look up, to think about the one who put you on Earth, your higher power, and your purpose. If someone is hungry, feed them—and BACS can help with that. BACS has several centers where people can check in to get better help.”

Dee’s journey is one of strength, resilience, and hope. Through her determination and the unwavering support of BACS, she has built a future filled with purpose, stability, and growth.