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BACS Connections May 2023

May 9, 2023

BACS Aims to Transform Systems of Care: Announcing Major New Site

BACS is thrilled to announce that we have acquired the St. Regis, a 4.13-acre former retirement facility in Hayward, California. Our goal is to transform it into a comprehensive residential and community campus that will offer behavioral health and homelessness services.

In Alameda County, like in many other communities, the needs for help with behavioral health challenges, homelessness, and substance use far exceed the available resources. Existing resources are at capacity, and community members instead end up getting disjointed, expensive care at the jail, emergency department, psychiatric care facility, or inpatient hospital. That’s why we are determined to address these urgent gaps with the St. Regis project, which will break down barriers between the behavioral health and homelessness systems of care to interrupt these cycles.

The St. Regis project is not just about transforming a former retirement center, it’s about transforming the way we think about and provide integrated behavioral health and homelessness services,” says Jamie Almanza, MBA, CEO of BACS. “We want to create a seamless experience for those seeking help, and are currently building the future where this is possible.”

By investing in housing justice and behavioral health services, the St. Regis project is an important milestone in addressing the homelessness crisis and advancing equity in the community. Read our full announcement here.

BACS Featured in Tipping Point Report

BACS is very excited to amplify Tipping Point Community’s 2022 Impact Report! Tipping Point Community is an important funder of BACS’ most innovative solutions to the housing crisis, and it is our honor to be noted in their report. Check out the “Innovative Solutions to Promote Housing Stability” section to see our Shallow Subsidy program highlighted, and read about the fellowship of People of Color-led organizations that our CEO Jamie Almanza was an inaugural member of in the “Investing in Organizations Led by People of Color” section.

BACS’ Impact: A Client Letter

BACS recently helped Ms. Mitchell get out of homelessness. The night before she moved into her new home, Ms. Mitchell sent our team this letter:

This is my last night here before I move into the studio apartment that my incredible Housing Counselor found for me. Seeing this all calibrate quickly, into what at first appeared to be an impossible dream, made me very grateful for everyone’s input into making this all happen.

For all the hard work that went into this – one can’t just ride into the sunset off the backs of those professionals who worked hard together to make this all happen. I came here November 29, 2022, homeless off and on for five-years – ready to give up. I had been sleeping in my car, and was ready to die, until BACS re-housing program fulfilled its’ goals to house me, while I was still on a path to self-destruct.

To see [BACS] growing – means others like me don’t have to wait to die. Together we got through the pain of being homeless. Today, I am a woman who is guided by principal and by the determination to stay housed. Whether good or bad I call things the way I see them. However, I could not leave here without writing this thank you letter to you and your staff. So long to you all and thank you for everything.

Sincerely, Ms. Mitchell

This is the true impact of BACS’ work, and of the thousands of people who are involved in making success possible – our incredible team doing “whatever it takes,” the donors, foundations, and government partners who provide critical funding, the landlords who work with us to create new housing opportunities, and the people we serve, who never give up in pursuing their dreams. Congratulations on your new home, Ms. Mitchell!

Breaking Barriers in Antioch, CA

Homeless advocate Nichole Gardner holds a big scissor after helping cut the riboon at the new Opportunity Village transitional housing center (formerly the Executive Inn) on 18th Street in Antioch on Thursday, April 26, 2023.
Photo from East Bay Times article

Opportunity Village, a new transitional housing program in Antioch, was unveiled recently. The first of its kind in Antioch, BACS will provider wraparound services for chronically homeless community members. Opportunity Village  will be located in a former motel and can house 45 residents at a time, up to 135 a year, who will stay there anywhere from 120 to 180 days.

The unveiling was a celebratory event led by Antioch Mayor Lamar Thorpe, who has been a fierce advocate for Opportunity Village, with BACS staff, community advocates, and neighbors in attendance. Mayor Thorpe presented “keys to the city” to several residents.

“Housing is a right that we should all have, just like food and water,” Gary Tia, BACS Program Manager, told the crowd. “I’m grateful for this opportunity to work with you. I think the need is great, but the laborers are few. What we lack in numbers we will make up with effort and strength and true collaboration.”

See full coverage from the East Bay Times here.

Transparency and Excellence: Quality Improvement Results

BACS takes quality improvement seriously, and embraces using data to drive program design, treatment options, and review the effectiveness of what we do. Like other providers, BACS routinely welcomes auditors to independently review our work, and we are proud to transparently release these audit findings publicly.

This was the fourth and final audit of our Alameda County Mental Health programs by an outside auditor, which showed that our error rate on assessments was just 0.01%, and our error rate on progress notes was 0.03%.  These rates are exceptionally low and far below industry standard, and we are so proud of our program staff and leadership for their tireless work in supporting our partners while maintaining documentation standards. The audit also noted that quality of care was evident in all cases reviewed, showed that BACS has a 100% success rate in creating safety plans, and demonstrated that BACS is meeting the changing documentation standards related to the CalAIM implementation.

 

BACS Acquires Former Retirement Center Complex to Transform Systems of Care and Address the Behavioral Health and Homelessness Crises

May 5, 2023

BACS announced today that it has acquired the St. Regis, a 4.13-acre former retirement facility in Hayward, California, which will become a unique, comprehensive residential and community campus for behavioral health and homelessness services, with a special focus on developing services to meet the additional physical healthcare needs for older adults and other community members with medical fragilities. BACS’ St. Regis will have more than 200 residential beds for permanent supportive housing and short-term recuperative care for individuals exiting the hospital system. Other services will include an on-site medical clinic, and short- and mid- term substance use and behavioral health treatment services in BACS’ signature wellness-based models.

[Read more…]

Media Advisory: BACS Acquires Former Retirement Center Complex to Transform Systems of Care and Address the Behavioral Health and Homelessness Crises

May 5, 2023

Hayward, California, May 2023 – BACS announced today that it has acquired the St. Regis, a 4.13-acre former retirement facility in Hayward, California, which will become a unique, comprehensive residential and community campus for behavioral health and homelessness services, with a special focus on developing services to meet the additional physical healthcare needs for older adults and other community members with medical fragilities. BACS’ St. Regis will have more than 200 residential beds for permanent supportive housing and short-term recuperative care for individuals exiting the hospital system. Other services will include an on-site medical clinic, and short- and mid- term substance use and behavioral health treatment services in BACS’ signature wellness-based models.

In Alameda County, as in many other communities, the needs for help with behavioral health challenges, homelessness, and substance use far exceed the available resources to meet these community needs. Existing resources are at capacity, and community members instead end up getting disjointed, expensive care at the jail, emergency department, psychiatric care facility, or inpatient hospital. These institutional settings take people further from stability and health in the community, and create repetitive cycles without long-term recovery. The St. Regis will address these urgent gaps, breaking barriers between the behavioral health and homelessness systems of care to interrupt these cycles.

“The St. Regis project is not just about transforming a former retirement center, it’s about transforming the way we think about and provide integrated behavioral health and homelessness services. We refuse to accept the status quo, where thousands of people are left without the care and support they need to live healthy, fulfilling lives,” says Jamie Almanza, MBA, CEO of BACS. “At BACS, we are leading a revolution in community mental health and housing, and the St. Regis is just the beginning. We want to create a seamless experience for those seeking help, and are currently building the future where this is possible.”

This groundbreaking project is made possible by historic state investments in behavioral health and supportive housing infrastructure, including $19.4 million from the California Department of Social Services’ Community Care Expansion Program (CCE) with additional local support from Alameda County Measure A-1 funds, the City of Hayward, and the Eden Health District. BACS will be providing services in partnership with the Alameda County Health Care Services Agency Office of Homeless Care and Coordination and Behavioral Health departments. Site rehabilitation is already underway, and BACS continues to work with local and state officials to access the additional resources needed to make the St. Regis a true beacon of hope and healing for our community.

“We believe that housing is health care and homelessness not only exacerbates, it creates more health problems that impact mental wellbeing,” says Colleen Chawla, Health Care Services Agency Director. “Today’s announcement is another important milestone in the County’s goal to end homelessness, and vision for all residents in Alameda County to live healthy and fulfilling lives, supported by services that surround and support individuals struggling with physical and behavioral health problems. We are proud to be a part of the collective effort to house Alameda County’s most vulnerable residents and thank BACS for leadership with the St. Regis.”

“Hayward is beyond excited to welcome this much-needed resource to the community. St. Regis will fill a missing gap in the system of care by providing a campus of services designed to wholistically serve those who are experiencing homelessness, mental health, and substance use disorders. This is a win for the system of care, the community, and the region, and we hope this serves as a model for other communities to replicate,” says Hayward Mayor Mark Salinas.

The St. Regis project is still in development while the site undergoes rehabilitation to be a state-of-the-art community mental health, recuperative care, and supportive housing site, representing a critical and innovative step towards ensuring that thousands of individuals in the County receive the mental health treatment and supportive housing they deserve. By investing in housing justice and behavioral health services, the St. Regis project is an important milestone in addressing the homelessness crisis and advancing equity in our community.

 

About Bay Area Community Services

Bay Area Community Services (BACS) breaks the mental health, housing, and community barriers that hold people back. BACS’ mission is to uplift under-served individuals and their families by doing “whatever it takes.” BACS helps people experiencing homelessness, housing insecurity, or behavioral health challenges, while balancing other complications like health needs, substance use, generational trauma, incarceration, poverty, and more. Since its founding in 1953, BACS has steadily grown throughout Northern and Central California, integrating nearly seven decades of behavioral health expertise with our Housing First philosophy to meet the rising needs of communities. To support the St. Regis’ transformation or BACS’ behavioral health and housing solutions, visit www.bayareacs.org/donate

About Alameda County Health Care Services Agency 

The Health Care Services Agency (HCSA) is the local health jurisdiction (LHJ) for Alameda County, the seventh most diverse county in the nation. With a total area of more than 800 square miles and a population of 1.5 million residents, Alameda County encompasses urban, suburban, and rural geographic areas as well as a large unincorporated area, for which County agencies have jurisdictional responsibility. HCSA holds responsibility for various state and federal health mandates operated through the departments of Behavioral Health, Environmental Health, Office of the Agency Director, and Public Health. HCSA programs include Emergency Medical Services, the Office of Homeless Care and Coordination, the Center for Healthy Schools and Communities, and Health Program of Alameda County providing affordable health care to uninsured people living in Alameda County. HCSA serves as the County’s health authority which includes response to the COVID-19 pandemic under the direction of the County Health Officer. HCSA operates within the largest annual budget in the County of $1.08B and employs more than 1,800 people.

Tagged With: st regis, st regis retirement center

BACS Connections March 2023

March 21, 2023

366 People, Permanently Housed

This former Motel 6 is now Delta Landing, a BACS interim housing program serving unhoused neighbors in Contra Costa County. It started in 2020 as a Project Roomkey site as a spot to shelter-in-place during COVID for those without homes. In June of that year, Governor Newsom visited the site to announce Project Homekey, which three months later included this site itself as one of the first round awardees.

Fast forward to January 2023 — the 172-room site, which provides wraparound, health care, and rehousing services has permanently housed 366 people. We have served nearly 500 people, and counting, and over 80% of all exits have been to permanent homes.

We are grateful to Contra Costa Health for their partnership, vision, and determination to leverage statewide resources to invest in ending homelessness. BACS knows what works to end homelessness. The key to making it happen is unlocking resources to do what we know works.

Early Results from the Oakland Shallow Subsidy Pilot

BACS is constantly trying new things to end homelessness, and last year launched the Oakland Shallow Subsidy Pilot in partnership with the City of Oakland. The first cohort of recipients just completed their pilot period, and early data shows homelessness was prevented for 100% of households. Here is what a few of them had to say:

“This program has helped out a lot – without Shallow Subsidy, I probably would be homeless.” 

“I am so thankful for this program. It’s gotten me to a place where I can cover rent with my income and have some savings.” 

“I have appreciated the help and additional resources that the program had to offer. The staff was amazing to work with, they never looked down on you because of your situation.

186 people are still receiving Shallow Subsidies to prevent their homelessness and displacement. UCSF Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative is partnering with BACS to collect and evaluate the data, and will share a deep look at its impact once the pilot concludes.

Success Story: Product of Grace

Jessica Robblee’s story is one of perseverance and hope, despite the odds that were stacked against her.

Jessica struggled with drug use, homelessness, family disconnection, and too many encounters with law enforcement for 10 years. BACS got connected to Jessica after she was arrested in 2017, with her case manager Brandy focusing on helping Jessica on her sobriety journey and locating safe housing. Jessica herself acknowledges she was not always easy to help. “I have been around people who pushed me too much, but Brandy was super patient with me and did not push past what I could handle,” said Jessica. “I’m grateful to BACS and especially Brandy for sticking by me these past five years.” BACS kept working with Jessica and advocating for her to reach her goals.

Today, we are so proud and honored to share Jessica’s major achievement: she has purchased and opened her very own transitional sober living home, called “Product of Grace.” Jessica shared that her successes are a product of the grace extended to her by those around her during her years of challenges and recovery, and she wants to extend that grace to others by providing housing designed to help women who are on a similar journey.

Short-Term Program with Long-Term Results

Della, housed through The Annex in 2021

When COVID-19 hit and “shelter in place” orders went into effect, BACS was on the front lines – in encampments, keeping emergency mental health centers open, and trying to address the compounding crisis. The tragedy of homelessness was exacerbated when people with nowhere to go were told to “shelter in place,” and encampment sweeps kept people on the move, exposing themselves to further risk. BACS worked with leaders across the Bay Area to do whatever it took to help our unhoused neighbors.

The City of Hayward responded quickly, and helped BACS open an extension to our Hayward Navigation Center – The Annex. The Hayward Annex was open for just over two years, and we are excited to share the impact: 102 people permanently housed. 

The Annex served approximately 30 people at a time, providing interim housing, housing navigation services, benefits advocacy, employment support, and independent living skills development. If you live in Hayward and want to see more results like this, donate to BACS today and help your neighbors.

Success Story: Product of Grace

February 24, 2023

Jessica Robblee’s story is one of perseverance and hope, despite the odds that were stacked against her.

Born in Eureka, California, Jessica had personal and family challenges early. She began using drugs at the age of 16, had her son when she was 18, and her daughter at 23, moving to Fort Bragg to raise her family. Although she was able to maintain sobriety for a few years, she eventually relapsed, and her partner at the time took her children away. For 10 years, Jessica found herself caught in a cycle of homelessness, substance abuse, and encounters with law enforcement.

BACS got connected to Jessica after she was arrested in 2017, with her case manager Brandy focusing on helping Jessica on her sobriety journey and locating safe housing.

[Read more…]

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