Annual Report

BACS is excited to unveil our Annual Report, highlighting the powerful outcomes achieved by our team, volunteers, donors, funders, partners, and community advocates.

We celebrate the sheer number of people we have served and their achievements of health, wellness, and housing. We celebrate our phenomenal efficiency, delivering one of the most effective and low-overhead interventions in our ecosystem, ensuring that more funds go directly to the streets. We celebrate our role as a significant employer in Northern California, supporting colleagues who wake up every day to do “whatever it takes.” These are the very people you would want to care for your loved ones or yourself in times of tremendous need.

We encourage you to read the full annual report for 2023. As you read, know that you are a significant part of the fabric of BACS. You have supported, inspired, been served by, or served our community.

Major Milestone: 100% of Circa60 Partners Housed!

BACS is thrilled to share this profound accomplishment!

Circa60 is a BACS “full-service partnership” program, the highest level of support you can receive in the community. Circa60 helps 100 older adults experiencing severe and long-lasting mental illness, co-occurring substance use disorders, medical frailties, and who are experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity. Usually, people in the Circa60 program have been unhoused for 10 years or more.

Thanks to our incredible program staff and leadership, we already have another program on its way to this same incredible achievement. BACS solutions work. And BACS’ team is out on the streets, in doctor’s offices and hospitals, and wherever else we need them to be doing “whatever it takes” to uplift individuals, families, and communities.

New Get Help Page

BACS is very excited to share our re-imagined “Get Help” page! Now, anybody who needs help can start with where they are, then look more closely for what kind of help they need, and get in contact the best way or plan their visit to one of our sites.

If you need help, check out the new page here! And if you want to support any of the 50+ programs doing “whatever it takes” to uplift our community, please make a gift today.

BBQ Social for Transition Aged Youth

BACS works to build community, engagement, and joy into all of our behavioral health services. Last week, BACS brought out all the TAY (transition-aged youth ages 18-24) for a beautiful BBQ at Lake Chabot.

Some partners even decided to test their luck fishing in the lake! We are deeply committed to getting partners out into their community, connecting with their environment, and continuing to work towards stability and independence.

Progress Towards Solving Homelessness in Hayward

The City of Hayward recently announced that it is showing progress in sheltering of people experiencing homelessness. “According to Point in Time (PIT) Count estimates, which were arrived at based on a physical count carried out across the County on the morning of Jan. 25, Hayward is sheltering 44 percent of its homeless population—up from 30 percent in 2022, 24 percent in 2019 and 21 percent in 2017.”

BACS is proud to be involved in many of these efforts – including participating in the Point in Time Count, providing the Hayward Housing Navigation Center, and our upcoming work of purchasing single-family homes to end homelessness as part of Project Reclamation!

Thank you to the City of Hayward for being such active leaders in addressing homelessness in our neighborhoods.

Community Events

BACS has had a busy month of community events! Some folks caught us out at DripFest in San Francisco, we got lots of love at the Oakland Community Block Party, others came to the Spring Luncheon we hosted at Towne House in Oakland, and potential landlord partners came to our Contra Costa County Landlord Appreciation Breakfast. Where are you going to find BACS next? Keep in touch with upcoming events by following us on social media!

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9-8-8 in Sacramento – BACS Launches CWRT

2024-2027: BACS Unveils New Strategic Plan

BACS has 70 years of deep history in California – piloting programs, building best practices, and creating behavioral health and housing models that are used widely today. We know what the community needs:  housing, services that empower individuals, and economic stability. These basic needs, if met, will make our neighbors and neighborhoods safer.

Strategy #1: Windows, Not Bars: Redirect resources from incarceration t voluntary, community-based behavioral health services. Purchase affordable housing and reduce displacement.

Strategy #2: Whatever It Takes, Not Whatever Is Available: Challenge limitations, advocate for abundance, and evolve services to seamlessly meet community needs.

Strategy #3: Rooted & Regional: Build regional approaches with diverse partners, strengthen local systems, and nurture deeply-rooted communities.

Read our full Strategic Plan today.

BACS in the Homelessness Learning Collaborative

In California, roughly 181,000 people — about 30 percent of the nation’s homeless population – are currently experiencing homelessness, including a disproportionate number of people of color.

Last fall, more than 70 homelessness and health care experts converged in Oakland, California to exchange ideas and spotlight innovative programs to help people experiencing homelessness. The convening was part of the Partnerships for Action: California Health Care & Homelessness Learning Collaborative (P4A). This two-year initiative, created by the California Health Care Foundation (CHCF) and the Center for Health Care Strategies (CHCS), is focused on improving care delivery and health and housing outcomes for Californians experiencing homelessness.

A new “Lessons from the Field” brief, developed by CHCF, highlights how P4A pilot efforts are fostering innovative cross-sector collaboration to better serve people experiencing homelessness. The brief describes key themes uncovered through the P4A initiative, including how to build strong partnerships, ways to refine the business case, the benefit of having managed care plans as partners, the power of community engagement, and above all, the value of peer supports and lived experience.

For a closer look at P4A’s collaborative efforts to tackle homelessness, check out a two-minute video produced by CHCS. It features first-hand insights from P4A participants representing 5Cities Homeless Coalition, The Illumination Foundation, and BACS!

READ THE BRIEF AND WATCH THE VIDEO

Towne House Meditation Group Supports Healing

Last month, BACS’ Towne House Wellness Center hosted a weekly meditation group that got great turnout! Towne House helps community members experiencing behavioral health needs, housing insecurity, and other complex needs. We welcome people into Towne House Wellness Center to help with their urgent and direct needs, while doing “whatever it takes” to uplift them across the domains of wellness.

If you want to get connected to any BACS service, or just a vibrant and supportive place where you can build community, visit one of our Wellness Centers. Learn more on our website and plan your visit at https://bayareacs.org/wellness-centers/

Anna’s House Ushers in Hope for Homeless Mothers and Children

In the heart of East Oakland, the doors of Anna’s House swung wide open this month – a beautiful, unique home for single mothers and children battling homelessness. Anna’s House, BACS’ newest interim housing site, will provide safe, stable housing for single mothers and their children in Oakland – the model is for families to stay the time they need while BACS and its partners wrap around them to get them to their next step – finding and moving in to permanent housing!

Anna’s House is not just a shelter; it is a testament to resilience and community support. Named after Anna, a mother, sister, daughter, and friend who tragically lost her life after years of struggling with trauma resulting from sexual partner violence, Anna’s House stands as a tribute to her memory. Situated on a residential street in East Oakland, Anna’s House occupies nearly 1,390 square feet of house with a spacious backyard. The home is designed to accommodate up to three suites, each featuring bedrooms and all other amenities.

The gathered community commemorated Anna, honoring and remembering her resilience and compassion. Aurora, Anna’s child, and Jackie Downing, Anna’s childhood friend and a major fundraiser/advocate for Anna’s House, spoke to share Anna’s story of strength and the importance of mental health services. Together with BACS CEO Jamie Almanza, they cut the ribbon, officially opening the home in Anna’s name. Ms. Almanza was steadfast in her commitment and demand for this model to replicate rapidly and judiciously – as BACS has added over 50 single family homes to its portfolio in the last five years.  The single family home model is the most efficient way to quickly bring housing online to our impacted system. With continued support and fundraising efforts, Anna’s House is poised to become a cornerstone in the community, offering stability, healing, and hope to those who need it most.

Learn more on our website and see coverage in the San Francisco Chronicle.

Affordable Housing at BACS’ Piedmont Place

While affordable housing is an ongoing challenge in Oakland, BACS was proud to be the first stop on the Affordable Housing Tour led by Oakland Housing and Community Development and EBHO! We were joined by our partners at the Oakland Mayor’s and City Administrator’s Offices, Oakland Housing Authority, MPI, the Oakland Council District 1 and 7 offices, and more for a tour of BACS’ Piedmont Place and other affordable housing options.

BACS is doing whatever it takes to develop affordable, sustainable housing options that help people get out of homelessness and stay in their home community. If you want to contribute to this effort, please make a gift today!

Celebrating 70 Years of BACS Impact

In December, BACS closed our celebrations of 70 years of doing “whatever it takes” to uplift our community, looking forward to the next 70 years of service.

We extend our sincerest thanks to Supervisor Keith Carson for its proclamation commemorating BACS’ 70 years and all the dedicated elected officials who took the time to join us in commemorating this significant milestone

Our event was more than a celebration of 70 years; it was an acknowledgment of the hard work and dedication of our incredible staff over the past year. Our gathering was also an opportunity to express profound appreciation for the outstanding leadership and tireless dedication that our public officials bring to our community. Often, their efforts go unnoticed, but their impact is immeasurable.

Prabhakar Family Does Whatever It Takes

Uplifting Stories from BACS

Donna* was referred to BACS in June of 2022. For several months, we were unable to locate her/engage her in services because she was experiencing significant symptoms and barriers including disorganization, mania, psychosis, and homelessness. In January of 2023, BACS located her during an emergency psychiatric hospitalization, made contact, and began to establish rapport. We supported a “step-down” to BACS’ Woodroe Place Crisis Residential Treatment Center, where our team continued to get to know her and finally opened her to services. Since connecting to BACS services, Donna* has obtained housing, applied for benefits, expressed an interest in substance abuse treatment, and continued to be an active member of the Towne House Wellness Center community.

These are the kinds of community members we help every single day at BACS.

*Name and photo changed for confidentiality purposes

Santa Visits SHARE Center

Thank you to Monterey County Supervisor Luis Alejo, Salinas Mayor Kimbley Craig, the Salinas Fire Department, and many donors (led by Comcast), Santa visited the SHARE Center this Christmas! Donors helped us put together special gift backpacks for each child at the SHARE Center – and the adults got gifts too! Most people experiencing homelessness do not have the luxury of celebrating holidays, so it brought true joy to all at the SHARE Center to have such a wonderful community event. Thank you to all who made this possible, and see us on the news on KION!

Empowering Women: A Day of Learning and Growth

In a world where women are breaking barriers and redefining their roles, empowerment and community are vital. BACS North County recently hosted a Women’s Wellness Workshop to bring together people identifying as women for a day of self-improvement and self-empowerment. From financial planning to therapeutic art, it had something for everyone.

BACS North County extends its gratitude to all who attended. A special shoutout to Deneisha Clemons from House of Loving Hands for sharing her inspiring journey. We’d also like to thank Project Glimmer for their generous donation of hygiene and makeup items, included in the goodie bags, adding to the sense of empowerment.

The Women’s Wellness Workshop wasn’t just a day of empowerment—it equipped women with tools and knowledge to continue their journey towards personal power.

BACS Celebrates 70 Years

Happy 70th birthday to Bay Area Community Services (BACS)! We kicked off 70th anniversary celebrations with a staff + community appreciation event at our major new St. Regis site.

This event celebrated the past, present, and future of BACS. To bring all these threads together, we buried a time capsule filled with tokens of appreciation, mementos from major moments in BACS’ history, predictions for the future, and aspirations for the world in 2053 when the capsule gets opened.

Thank you to event sponsors TMG Partners, The Steinfirst Group, PC Pro, Sutter Health, Kaiser Permanente Thrive, Allen Matkins Leck Gamble Mallory & Natsis Law Firm, and Crankstart – making not only the special event possible, but supporting BACS to do Whatever It Takes for the next 70 years!  We were so honored to celebrate with everyone who came 💙🧡

Visit us in Sacramento: CORE Wellness Center Grand Opening

Join us for the grand opening of the Willow Wellness Center – come see why BACS is being called the “most vibrant and inspirational” Wellness Center!

Mario’s journey from homelessness to permanent housing has ended! Mario recently moved into a BACS Project Reclamation home, and is thrilled to have a beautiful place to call home.

Mario first got connected with BACS two years ago. He was facing imminent homelessness in Oakland and decided to move to Sacramento to be closer to family; a disagreement with a relative led to a quick return to homelessness. Determined to regain his footing, Mario returned to Oakland, but his housing fell through again. He wandered the streets at night and slept on the bus to keep himself safe. He came to visit Towne House, where we helped him quickly move in to our Housing Fast program in Oakland. Within two months, Mario moved into a BACS Project Reclamation home! Mario still visits the Housing Fast program to catch up with friends he made during his stay.

Mario says he cherishes the fact that he now has his own private room and access to a communal kitchen, where he loves cooking simple, healthy meals. These small comforts are significant steps toward regaining independence and stability in his life. When asked about what could further enhance his journey toward success, Mario mentioned a simple yet vital need—a bicycle. This will not only help him with his daily necessities but also to access other opportunities in the future. Mario expressed his deep appreciation to BACS for providing him with housing and creating an environment where he has felt supported and empowered.

Mario’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact that BACS supporters can have on the lives of individuals experiencing homelessness! If you are inspired by his journey and want to contribute to BACS’ mission please visit our website here. If you’d like to make a specific donation, such as providing a bike for Mario or other BACS participants, please email us. Your generosity can help neighbors like Mario access housing, means to greater independence and mobility, further enhancing their path to success.

Uplifting Mothers and Children Experiencing Homelessness at Anna’s House

BACS is doing “whatever it takes” to address all parts of the housing crisis – and we are excited to share progress on our first targeted initiative for mothers and children experiencing homelessness in Oakland. Anna’s House is named after Anna, a mother, sister, daughter and friend, who lost her life tragically after many years struggling with trauma.

Anna’s House recognizes that many factors contribute to housing instability, including prior experiences with assault or domestic violence. Anna’s House will offer a safe community for mothers who are working to overcome past trauma and striving to provide a loving, nurturing home for their children. BACS made the down payment for Anna’s House using funds donated in Anna’s memory. Now we are actively fundraising to renovate and furnish the home so that we can move moms and children into stable housing as soon as possible.

We have already raised more than $300,000 toward the purchase of the house and started renovations, including replacing the roof and installing a new (donated) HVAC system. Every dollar helps us get closer to our goal. We will be moving families into Anna’s House this fall, and hope to raise an additional $50,000 by October 31. Learn more in our Case for Support, or join the team working to make Anna’s House a reality by donating today!

Transforming Lives with Contingency Management and Medically Assisted Treatment

In August, BACS opened the first Contingency Management (CM) and Medically Assisted Treatment (MAT) programs in Alameda County working out of our Housing Fast at the Henry Robinson Center. This pilot program is working to reduce substance use for community members experiencing other complexities and co-morbidities – like mental health challenges, homelessness, physical health conditions, and more. BACS is doing “whatever it takes” to uplift the people we serve, no matter their unique challenges.

Contingency Management incentivizes and motivates recovery for people who are using stimulants. This evidence-based treatment promotes positive behavior with affirmations, support, and financial incentives for achieving and maintaining specific goals (like negative drug tests). CM is the only treatment that has proven and meaningful outcomes for individuals living with stimulant use disorder, including reduction or cessation of drug use and longer retention in treatment.

MAT is a treatment for opioid use disorder combining the use of medications (like methadone and Suboxone) with counseling and behavioral treatments. MAT is used to decrease withdrawal symptoms and cravings, to reduce the chances of relapse, and help people stay in a treatment program. If relapse does happen, people on buprenorphine MAT have lower rates of fatal overdose.

Throughout the pilot of these two innovative evidence-based Harm-Reduction interventions, BACS will be collecting data and reporting to a learning collaborative to hone best practices and eventually replicating the program. This important program is provided in partnership with Health Care Services Agency (HCSA), Healthcare for the Homeless, Cardea Health, and the Bridge Clinic at Highland Hospital, with funding from the Centers for Health Care Strategies grant.

A Day of Community and Wellness

Big Impacts: BACS 2022 Annual Report

BACS is excited to unveil our 2022 Annual Report, highlighting powerful outcomes.  This year, BACS provided services to 19,320 people, breaking our previous record. We are grateful to the community for reaching out to BACS when there is a challenge, whether it is an individual in crisis or a city leader with a new idea for how to help.

BACS’ solutions work – and every single person reading this report is part of those solutions. The #WhateverItTakes community of staff, funders, donors, volunteers, board members, community partners, advocates, partnering landlords makes BACS’ work possible.

Make Your Voice Heard: Strategic Planning 2023

BACS is embarking on our next strategic planning process, and we invite our community supporters, advocates, donors, partner organizations, funders, volunteers, and the people we serve to make their voices heard. Weigh in on what is most important, where you think BACS should grow or change, and what our community needs help with in the next three years. Share your thoughts online here. 

Our current Strategic Plan, ending this year, is available here. We appreciate everyone’s feedback and look forward to reading, learning, and making a plan that addresses all the needs of our community!

Open Letter from a BACS Participant

Award-winning author Carol D. Mitchell never thought she would be homeless, and when she lost her housing, she struggled with guilt, anger, fright, loneliness, and finding new housing. She got a spot at BACS’ Housing Fast at the Holland program in Oakland, which helped her to find permanent housing while turning some of her personal challenges into growth opportunities. “I was homeless off and on for five years, until BACS did not give up on me and helped me twice. I have been very comfortable in my new apartment for a record-breaking 5 months… Now, as I am enjoying my new place, I deserve to rest and enjoy the rest of my life, I can say that now. Many thanks to your excellent staff and you. BACS you are right up there with St. Vincent DePaul with me.” In 2023, BACS nominated Carol for the Resilience and Determination (RAD) Hero Award, presented by The Alameda County Community Consumer Advisory Board. Read her full letter here!

Turner Construction

Turner Construction turned out for one of our biggest Home in a Basket donations all year!

The Turner team collected beautiful new donations of important household items – things like laundry baskets, cookware, dining sets, and bedding – that can be impossible to hold onto while experiencing homelessness, but are so necessary to make new housing feel like home. Turner staff went above and beyond making 32 thoughtful and packed baskets to be “welcome home” gifts for the people BACS helps find permanent housing.

Recipients Capucine and Gary both moved into new housing and were so surprised by their Home in a Basket. Thank you Turner! 

Keep Oakland Housed Impact Report

Keep Oakland Housed was launched in 2018 with the wisdom that an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. The BACS-powered collaborative recognizes that our community needs to stop homelessness before it starts — to prevent individuals and families from getting pushed out of their homes, to prevent people from having an eviction on their record, and to prevent the toll that homelessness takes on the people and communities experiencing it.

Keep Oakland Housed started with a big vision (prevent homelessness) and tangible goals (help 1,700+ households per year). After almost five years, we know what works. Our dream has stayed the same, but the goal has gotten bigger – and so has the impact. BACS is proud to lead the movement to Keep People Housed and continue expanding its services. Read the full impact report here. 

Uplifting Our Families

The BACS family grows again! Whenever our BACS family members welcome a new baby into the world, we make sure they know “BACS loves me” in their onesies. Congratulations to our team member Ryan on the newest member of his family ❤