Building Futures’ mission is to build communities with underserved individuals and families, where they are safely and supportively housed, free from homelessness and domestic violence. (adopted June 2005)
The vast majority of those we serve are women and children. At Building Futures, we believe that everyone deserves a safe place to call home. That’s why all of Building Futures’ programs and services are aimed at helping our clients overcome their obstacles to permanent housing.
We are proud to provide Alameda County individuals and families in need with shelter, domestic violence support and advocacy, and housing services. No one should have to sleep in a car, park, or beside a freeway overpass. Since our founding, Building Futures has provided service-rich shelters for community members experiencing homelessness. In a devastating ripple effect, domestic violence affects individuals, families, and communities. Building Futures provides an array of services including shelter to help survivors heal and to equip neighbors, workplaces, churches, and other allies to help. As a Housing First agency, our aim is to connect our clients with permanent housing. Building Futures operates a permanent supportive housing site, and a range of resources including housing assistance to end homelessness in the lives of the individuals and families we serve. Once housed, an individual or family can move forward, with the help of needed supports and services.
The Midway Shelter, San Leandro Shelter, and Lewelling Shelter and Drop-In Center provide shelter and support services in welcoming environments.
Housing Resource Centers provide assessments and support for Alameda County residents in need of housing and other resources.
Our Rapid Re-housing Programs provide short-term rental assistance and tailored services for families to obtain housing quickly, increase self-sufficiency,
and stay housed.
Street Outreach in San Leandro engages with and serves individuals and families who live in encampments, in vehicles, or are otherwise unsheltered.
The Housing Program provides housing case management, rental subsidies, and tenancy services designed to aid participants to secure a safe place to live, transition from homelessness, and to maintain their housing.
Bessie Coleman Court is our 52-unit permanent supportive housing site.
Wraparound support services are provided to more than 200 tenants throughout Alameda County.
Sister Me Home Safe House is a 20-bed confidential shelter with 24-hour staffing and culturally appropriate support services.
Community outreach services include safety planning, individual and group counseling, court accompaniment, and more.
Domestic Violence Program participants are eligible for the full range of our housing services.
Twice each year, Building Futures offers a 40-hour Domestic Violence Counselor Training.
Technical assistance supporting agencies across California:
• Housing programs that serve domestic violence survivors
• Domestic violence providers serving people experiencing homelessness.
“In January, my 20 year-old daughter and I were at our very end of trying to hold on. Several other shelters told us it would be best to separate—the last thing we wanted to do. Then there was Building Futures. At the shelter, everyone
welcomed us. My daughter even graduated from college while we were there. Every staff member puts everything into their jobs. We were encouraged to work hard and not give up. In July, we were connected with housing. Building Futures is forever etched in our hearts!”