Cultural Responsiveness Committee Chair Appointed

BACS is delighted to announce the appointment of Sage Williams, Personal Services Coordinator of BACS’ Homeless Outreach program, to the Chair of the BACS Cultural Responsiveness Committee!

Sage simultaneously has participated in transformational practices to increase the accessibility to our partners and has been a thought leader in our growth at BACS. Recently he has designed a Provider of Color Work group due to start the end of the month.

Sage says, “At the end of the day, we are seeing the whole person, whether it is a staff member or a participant. The Committee is helping BACS adhere to its core values.”

To learn more about the Cultural Responsiveness Committee, or about Sage’s appointment, read the full announcement here.

FREE & SAGE Programs Celebrate 1 Year Anniversary

BACS is pleased to celebrate the 1 year anniversary of BACS’ Criminal Justice Programs and BACS’ SSI Advocacy Programs!

BACS opened the FREE criminal justice program in 2016 to prevent recidivism by targeting poverty, mental health issues, and the lack of a support system – to help individuals successfully re-enter the community.

BACS opened the SAGE Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Advocacy program in 2016 to help participants with severe mental health issues receive SSI benefits, to prevent homelessness and serious poverty.

Congratulations to the teams of each programs, and thank you to all our of community supporters!

Safeway Foundation Gives Grant to BACS!

BACS is delighted to announce that we have been awarded a grant from The Safeway Foundation. The Safeway Foundation is providing these funds to BACS in order to support critical housing programs for individuals with complex needs. This program provides stable and permanent housing options, at very low cost, along with a care coordinator who helps residents learn independent living skills in a supportive environment.

BACS is grateful for The Safeway Foundation’s commitment to improving the quality of life in the communities Safeway serves.

Youth Center ‘The Spot’ Opens in Oakland

BACS’ Hope Intervention Program (HIP) is excited to announce the grant opening of The Spot (It’s a H.I.P. place to be)! The Spot is a new youth wellness center, designed by and for TAY (transitional aged youth). At the Open Mic Grand Opening, youth participated in sharing poetry, speeches of their lived experience and words of encouragement, freestyling, comedy, and raps.

Moving forward, TAY will have access to groups, drop-in hours, vocational training, community college presentations, computers, phones, and basic supplies.

To learn more about The Spot, and about its Grand Opening, read the full announcement here.

Powerful Reflections from BACS Executive Director

In January, during the worst of the California storms, a 67 year old man passed away quietly in our largest homeless program. There, where we house 137 individuals as we help them find permanent housing, he died seemingly peacefully in his sleep. BACS’ Executive Director, Jamie Almanza, reflected on his experience, and its impact on our community.

“He was part of a short term respite program. Respite from the streets after a hospitalization. He died seemingly peacefully in his sleep. He died in doors. Not outside in the blistering cold that is mostly too cold for us Californians.“

To read the full letter from Ms. Almanza, visit our page here.

Employee of the Month

BACS is delighted to honor Mike King, from the Housing Fast Support Network (HFSN) program, as our Employee of the Month for February! 

Since Mike started in 2007, Mike has brought persistence, dedication, and a positive outlook to his role and the HFSN program. Mike is a constant source of energy and motivation for our team. Mike is an excellent example of many of BACS’ values, particularly Integrity, Community, and Wellness / Prevention.

One of Mike’s team members said: “Mike has shown extreme dedication and commitment to his clients and the HFSN program as a whole. He brings light and kindness to our office. He really does whatever it takes.”

Congratulations, Mike, and thank you for all you do on the HFSN team!

Join Our Cause

Do you want to join BACS in our mission to uplift under-served individuals and their families by doing whatever it takes?

Donate

Donate to BACS online by clicking here, or via mail to 629 Oakland Ave, Oakland, CA 94612. Make an ongoing impact by donating monthly!

Or, donate gently used blankets, canned goods, and other items to our housing programs. Email us to learn more.

Work Here

BACS services are always expanding, and we are currently recruiting! Check out our job opportunities. Learn more on our website or by calling 510.613.0330.

Planned Giving

Many people leave a charitable gift in their will. Do you want to make a lifetime of impact in the community you care about? Email us to learn more!