Building Bridges to Health and Housing: CARE Court & BHBH Initiatives

We’re excited to share that BACS officially launched our CARE Court program in December 2024—along with a new Behavioral Health Bridge Housing (BHBH) initiative in January 2025 to provide transitional housing and support.

CARE Court is a groundbreaking program under the Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Act, designed to connect individuals with community-based treatment and prevent unnecessary crises, hospitalizations, and incarceration. Family members, therapists, or caregivers can petition for services through the Mental Health Care Court, and once approved, individuals receive up to 24 months of court-ordered treatment and support.

BACS’ Outreach & Engagement (O&E) team works tirelessly to find and connect individuals to Care Court services. Once enrolled, our Full-Service Partnership (FSP) team provides intensive behavioral health care while coordinating with public defenders and community partners to ensure continuity of care.

Individuals in CARE Court are also prioritized for BHBH, a transitional housing program offering stability and behavioral health services while participants work toward permanent housing. BHBH includes two locations at BACS: REGIS Campus (newly opened in Hayward) and Henry Robinson Center (a well-known BACS housing site). With the right housing, treatment, and support, CARE Court and BHBH give people a real path toward recovery and long-term stability.

Windows, Not Bars: Reentry Services

One of BACS’ major strategic goals is Windows, Not Bars—helping people break free from cycles of incarceration and build stable, fulfilling lives.

As a key player in implementing Proposition 47 (Prop 47) in California, BACS provides vital re-entry services for individuals involved in the criminal justice system. With Prop 47 grant funding, we offer mental health support, substance use treatment, housing assistance, and employment services—proven strategies to reduce recidivism and create lasting change.

For the third year in a row, BACS was the first community-based organization to fully utilize its Prop 47 re-entry funds—ensuring every dollar directly benefits people, rather than being returned to the government unused. This funding is a lifeline, preventing individuals with behavioral health and substance use challenges from falling through the cracks after incarceration.

Through our two re-entry treatment teams, BACS has served 160+ individuals, personally bringing them out of jail and back into their communities. Two-thirds are now in the final phase of an evidence-based stability program. Recidivism among participants—who face some of the most complex behavioral health challenges—remains remarkably low at under 12%.

Additionally, BACS has kept all 20 probation beds full in Oakland, providing critical stability for individuals exiting the system. Our rehousing efforts have had a 69% success rate in securing permanent housing for people coming straight from incarceration.

By investing in people, not punishment, BACS is proving that real rehabilitation is possible.

From Homelessness to Hope: Victor’s Journey

When Victor first connected with BACS in 2020, he was sleeping in a park in Oakland, struggling with homelessness, isolation, and addiction. That same day, BACS placed him in a hotel, providing stability and hope. With support, he moved into his first apartment, but his battle with alcohol led to a health crisis—he lost his housing and had to relearn how to walk.

Determined to change, Victor worked with BACS to get medical care, worked with a case manager, and spent a year rebuilding his strength. He shifted his lifestyle, embracing healthy habits and focusing on personal growth. Today, he lives in a studio apartment, runs a small business selling art and books, and is working to shape a brighter future.

His message to others? Accept help, set your goals, and believe in your ability to rebuild your life—because a fresh start is always possible.

Read Victor’s full story and see how BACS helps people turn survival into success. Or, donate today to help other people like Victor turn their lives around!

A Powerful Call for Justice Reform with Ken Oliver

Jamie Almanza, CEO of BACS, met Ken Oliver, Chief Innovation Officer of The Just Trust, looking to join forces for justice-involved individuals.  We clicked immediately, even as he asked, “what is this woman dressed this way in my hood?” Our CEO loves to thrift and wears 4 inch heels even when helping people out of encampments. “You never look at Ken and see how many years he spent in solitary,” said Jamie, continuing “His spirit and joy shine through.”  They bonded over shared visions for freedom and community integration.

The BACS team are first responders – on the front lines of behavioral health and homelessness – which takes dedication, motivation, and passion. As CEO, my job is to support every single team member to make real transformation possible. So BACS invited our colleague, Ken Oliver, who has lived the life inside and out of the most serious carceral system, to teach and motivate the 90+ members of our leadership team and bring that learning to the streets.

Ken joined BACS to share his experience inside the justice system. Ken’s presentation and Q&A support our team’s learning and advocacy as we continue to build pathways for successful reintegration and advocate for justice-impacted individuals through comprehensive support services. Read more about his experience and the wisdom he shared with BACS on our website.

Compassion + Action

March is National Social Work Month—a time to recognize the compassionate, dedicated professionals who make a real difference in people’s lives every day. At BACS, we are proud to have more than 60 social workers on our team, working tirelessly to uplift individuals, families, and communities.

Our social workers provide critical support, from mental health services to housing solutions, ensuring that people facing complex challenges receive the care and advocacy they need. Whether helping someone find stable housing, navigate behavioral health services, or access essential resources, they show up with expertise, empathy, and resilience.

“It’s motivating to see those who once felt they had to face their struggles alone, now embracing the support and help that’s available.” – Amina Benkhelouf, LCSW

“The most important thing is humanity. By leading with respect, dignity, and empathy, I believe everything else falls into place.” – Natalie Lee, LCSW

Check out our LinkedIn for some hero profiles on just a few of our excellent social work staff!

Get Smart Help from BACS: We’re Live on Smart City Tablets

We’re thrilled to announce that BACS is now featured on 37 Smart City tablets across Oakland and Berkeley! These tablets provide easy access to essential services, fostering community engagement and support.

Next time you’re out and about, check us out on a Smart City tablet near you. Whether you need help or want to help others, we’re here to connect you with the resources you need.

Thanks to IKE Smart City for making this possible!

Missed Our Annual Report? Check Your Impact!

In case you missed it, we released our latest Annual Report, and the numbers tell an incredible story—real people, real change, real progress.

Last year, BACS helped thousands of people move from homelessness to housing, from crisis to stability, and from isolation to community. This work is only possible because of supporters like you!

Check out the report to see the impact, read inspiring stories, and learn how we’re tackling the biggest challenges in housing and behavioral health. Thank you for being part of this movement. Keep being involved and our community will keep getting better.