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.
