Building Futures

Building Futures Building Futures’ programs and services designed to end homelessness and domestic violence. Visit www.bfwc.org to learn more or learn how you can help!

We are proud to provide Emergency Shelter, Domestic Violence Education, and Housing Services to families and individuals in Alameda County. Building Futures believes everyone deserves a safe place to call home. That's why everyone of our programs and services -- four homeless shelters; a domestic violence safe house; a spectrum of domestic violence outreach and intervention services; supportive housing and a rapid rehousing program -- prioritize linking our clients and shelter residents with housing.

“Until now, I never in my life had a place where I could say, ‘Let’s go to my house,’” shared resident Reginald Blueford...
12/20/2025

“Until now, I never in my life had a place where I could say, ‘Let’s go to my house,’” shared resident Reginald Blueford.

We’re proud to share the early impact of the Lewelling Shelter and Drop-In Center, opened by Building Futures in June!

With 29 rooms for temporary housing and a Drop-In Center offering showers, laundry, meals, housing navigation, and case management, Lewelling is helping adults experiencing homelessness take critical steps toward stability.

Here are some highlights:
✔️ A couple transitioned into permanent housing
✔️ A resident secured employment within three weeks
✔️ Many more found safety, dignity, and support

This is what hope looks like—one key, one family, one job at a time.In November alone at our Alameda Midway Shelter:🔑 1 ...
12/20/2025

This is what hope looks like—one key, one family, one job at a time.

In November alone at our Alameda Midway Shelter:

🔑 1 neighbor received keys to her new home
🏠 2 families are moving into permanent housing
📈 5 moms secured full-time jobs
💼 2 more individuals are now employed full-time

At Building Futures, we’re proving that housing and stability are possible—even in a time of uncertainty.

But the need is growing. Your gift today helps more families find safety, stability, and a future they can count on.

We are so incredibly grateful for our community. 🫶🏽 Although our gift drive has ended you can STILL support our families...
12/20/2025

We are so incredibly grateful for our community. 🫶🏽 Although our gift drive has ended you can STILL support our families with a gift: http://www.bfwc.org/donate

When our community comes together, we make magic! 15 friends of Building Futures raised $2,993!An additional a huge shou...
12/16/2025

When our community comes together, we make magic! 15 friends of Building Futures raised $2,993!

An additional a huge shoutout to the Via Nova Preschool families for filling an entire trunk with new toys for the holidays! 🎁✨

Endless gratitude to Kera & Nat Binns for opening their home, providing a matching gift, and leading with so much heart. Special thanks to Cristi Ritschel, our Board President, for co-hosting and speaking.

Because our Housing Programs supporters end homelessness. Because 56% of those in our family shelters are children. Your generosity helps local families experiencing homelessness or domestic violence so they make receive safety, support, and stability.

Thank you for being community in action. 💛

As we enter the final days of our Holiday Gift Drive, we are reminded of the power of legacy, love, and community throug...
12/11/2025

As we enter the final days of our Holiday Gift Drive, we are reminded of the power of legacy, love, and community through Vivian’s story.

Vivian found us through google, looking for a way to serve her community. She lost her mother, Audrey, in 2020 after a long battle with breast cancer. Audrey was known for her generosity, and she passed that spirit on to her daughter. To honor her mother’s memory, Vivian hosted a “Giving Party” at her home—inviting friends to celebrate, share food, and bring items from Building Futures’ wishlist. She called it Audrey’s Closet.

She’s continuing this beautiful tradition in honor of her late father, A.C., calling it A.C.’s Closet. Surrounded by family and friends, Vivian and her daughter LaShae gathered 10 boxes of donations and raised $1,700 for families in our programs. They were moved to tears by the love their community poured in.

This is more than a donation drive.

This is a tribute to ancestors who taught us what giving means.

This is how one family’s love becomes a light for many others.

✨ To everyone who has already donated—thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
✨ And if you’re planning to give, don’t delay!

You can leave the shopping to us and make an online donation. Your generosity ensures families, individuals, and children experience warmth, dignity, and joy this holiday season.

Thank you for carrying the light forward. https://bfwc.org/holiday-donate/

Short on time? Big on heart? Let us do the shopping—sponsor holiday joy with a gift.Your contribution ensures that every...
12/11/2025

Short on time? Big on heart? Let us do the shopping—sponsor holiday joy with a gift.

Your contribution ensures that every woman, teen, and child in our care receives something chosen with love and dignity. You make the magic possible; we handle the wrapping.

Be the spark that brightens a family’s holiday.

PICTURED HERE: Mason’s of San Leandro

With great sadness, Building Futures honors the late Stephen Cassidy (1964-2025). Many knew Stephen as San Leandro’s for...
12/10/2025

With great sadness, Building Futures honors the late Stephen Cassidy (1964-2025). Many knew Stephen as San Leandro’s former mayor, a SLUSD board member, and a key voice behind revenue measures for the city and its schools. Others knew of his dedication to the arts. One of the quiet ways he showed his concern for people experiencing homelessness and domestic violence was to serve on Building Futures’ Board of Directors. For years after his service, the agency and its leaders continued to benefit from Stephen’s ideas, generosity, and listening ear. He leaves behind a powerful legacy. Rest in peace, Stephen Cassidy.

“I need a light to show me the way, and there you are.” — PauletteThese words remind us what community truly means. Your...
12/09/2025

“I need a light to show me the way, and there you are.” — Paulette

These words remind us what community truly means. Your support has helped transform real lives—ensuring women, teens, and children can take meaningful steps toward stability and joy this holiday season.

✨ Tomorrow, December 9th, is the last day to drop off new, unwrapped gifts for our Holiday Toy Drive!
Thanks to local businesses and partners, we now have drop-off locations across Alameda, making it easier than ever to give.

If you can’t make it in person, you can still support families by:
🔗 Visiting our website
🛍️ Contributing to our wishlist
💛 Making a donation

Every contribution brings warmth, care, and dignity to families in our programs.
Thank you for being the light.

A huge thank you to Creed Motorcycle Club for their gifts to our holiday drive! Want to join them? It’s so easy to make...
12/06/2025

A huge thank you to Creed Motorcycle Club for their gifts to our holiday drive! Want to join them? It’s so easy to make a difference.

Just drop off a new, unwrapped gift at one of our toy drive locations and help bring joy to families in our care. Every single gift matters—and together, we can make this season brighter for our neighbors.

Thank you for showing up for community. 💛
Let’s keep the giving going! Bring gifts by Tues 12/9

www.bfwc.org/holiday

Did you know you can drop off gifts and toys for our Holiday Toy Drive in Alameda at Island Savoy Market, Toy Safari, Al...
12/05/2025

Did you know you can drop off gifts and toys for our Holiday Toy Drive in Alameda at Island Savoy Market, Toy Safari, Alameda Library, AND City Hall?

There’s still time to support families this season! We’re collecting new, unwrapped gifts to brighten the holidays for the women, teens, and children in our care.

📍 Island Savoy Market — 1200 Lincoln Ave, Alameda
📍 Toy Safari —1410 Park St, Alameda
📍 Alameda Free Library — 1550 Oak St, Alameda
📍 City Hall — 2263 Santa Clara Ave, Alameda

Every donation brings warmth, joy, and a sense of belonging to families who need it most. Thank you for helping us continue a tradition rooted in love, compassion, and community. ✨

Together, we can make the holidays brighter. More info on how to get involved is on our website! 🫶🏽

❄️🏃‍♀️ The 2025 Midway Shelter Winter Run is THIS WEEKEND!Mark your calendar for Saturday, December 6th at the Harbor Ba...
12/04/2025

❄️🏃‍♀️ The 2025 Midway Shelter Winter Run is THIS WEEKEND!

Mark your calendar for Saturday, December 6th at the Harbor Bay Ferry Terminal in Alameda. Every mile you run helps provide safety, compassion, and stability for women and children at Midway Shelter.

🌊 Scenic Course Highlights
Take in the stunning Bay Farm Island shoreline on a flat, out-and-back trail with sweeping views of San Francisco and the Alameda coast.
This year’s route has been expanded along Harbor Bay Parkway to welcome our ever-growing community of runners!

👟 Fun for Kids: Half-mile shoreline loop.
🚗 Easy Parking: Available on-site at the Ferry Terminal.
🥤 Refreshments: Snacks and drinks waiting for you at the finish line.

💙 Run With Purpose
Midway Shelter—powered by the partnership of Alameda Homeless Network and Building Futures—has been a lifeline for women and children since 1989. Your participation helps sustain that life-changing work.

Bring your community, lace up, and join us for a meaningful morning on the bay!

Address

1840 Fairway Drive
San Leandro, CA
94577

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+15103570205

Website

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Our Story

Building Futures believes everyone deserves a safe place to call home. That's why every our programs and services -- two homeless shelters; a domestic violence safe house; a spectrum of domestic violence outreach and intervention services; supportive housing and a rapid rehousing program -- prioritize linking our clients and shelter residents with housing. Visit www.bfwc.org to learn more or learn how you can help!