October Is DVAM!
Back to School Drive Success!
Jazz It Up 2025 Was an Incredible Night!
HOMELESSNESS
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
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This Black History Month we commemorate and appreciate those who came before us and paved the way. In these times it’s important to uplift Black voices and celebrate the strength and beauty of our communities.
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"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere" - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
(Image posted by @votolatino)
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Vote for us by tomorrow, Tuesday!
Building Futures has been nominated for the “Best of San Leandro” in the category of Community Enrichment and Support!
Thanks to the San Leandro Chamber of Commerce and the Best of San Leandro nominating committee for recognizing our value to the San Leandro community. We are honored.
Would you please take a minute to vote for us?
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdKmodNiMpINRCqLEypejAdbQOZKXtb_RGG2lUIzFeBUVhtCw/viewform
(Anyone can vote! Link in comments too)
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Friend, I am grateful to have you by my side. I know you may be concerned about what 2026 could hold in our nation and right here in Alameda County. There’s a lot at stake. Proposed federal cuts threaten critical homelessness and domestic violence programs nationwide.
Here at home, our community has always stepped up for one another. Thank you for all you do to bring hope, safety, and stability to neighbors who need it most.
Community partners like you change lives for the better. And so do Building Futures’ many partners who provide legal, medical, mental health, childcare services, and so much more, to those we serve.
We are partners in service—strong, diverse, and capable of navigating difficult times together. As we more forward in these uncertain times, Building Futures’ will join with you, our community partners, like we have done for 37 years to address needs and to take action.
Together, we’ll keep building communities where every child, every adult, can thrive because everyone deserves a safe place to call home.
My very best wishes to you and your loved ones.
Sincerely,
Liz Varela
Executive Director
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Giving builds futures. Millie came to our shelter to build stability for her twins.
“I was determined to do this for my daughters.”
Last year, Building Futures supported 2,916 households facing homelessness, domestic violence, and housing instability. Stories like Millie’s are possible because of community partners.
Help more families take that step.
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Meet "Mr. Blue". Reginald Blueford's story captures exactly why your support—and our work—matters.
Growing up, Mr. Blue had no protection from domestic violence. He ran away from home at ten, and by twelve was already living a life shaped by trauma. As an adult, despite working nearly four decades as a furniture mover, he experienced homelessness for many years.
During COVID, he cared for his stepfather until he passed away in Mr. Blue’s arms. Heartbroken, he withdrew and began sleeping in his car while still working part-time as a caregiver for a friend.
That’s when Building Futures’ Street Outreach team began checking in. At first, he wasn’t ready for help. But small steps—lunch, laundry, charging his phone—built trust. Our staff encouraged him to visit the Lewelling Shelter, where he became one of the very first guests.
From there, our team worked with Mr. Blue to apply for housing, secure needed repairs, and prepare for stability.
Today, he lives in a brand-new apartment with the support he needs.
“I don’t need much out of life. I have it all now,” he says.
Learn more about Mr. Blue’s housing success story—and the work your support makes possible.
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Here's how our community turns a house into a home: With the help of Move-In Kits from Building Futures, Serena and Brandon are settling into new homes with the essentials needed to start fresh—just in time for winter.
✨ Serena fled domestic violence and found a safe apartment for herself, her 7-year-old daughter, and her mom. She now works full time and is overjoyed to come home to peace and stability.
✨ Brandon, 41, is newly housed after years on the streets. With tailored support and his fur baby Luna by his side, he’s reconnecting to care and community.
This is what meeting the moment looks like—creativity, experience, and love in action. Every day, Building Futures helps people overcome the obstacles to being housed.
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“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
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Featured Videos
These videos share some of the stories of community members who transitioned from challenging times of homelessness to being safely and permanently housed through Building Futures’ assistance.
