“I don’t need much out of life. I have it all now.”  —Reginald Blueford

“There were no protections for domestic violence when I was a kid. I’d run to the police and tell them my mom was being beaten,” says Reginald Blueford, 68. The oldest of 12 children, “Mr. Blue” says that he was running away from home at ten; stealing cars and sniffing paint at 12. As an adult, he worked as a furniture mover for 37 years. Still, “I was homeless in Frisco and in and out of jail the rest of the time.” 

Mr. Blue calls his late mother and stepdad witnesses to his life. During the height of COVID, his stepfather had a stroke. When the hospital released him, Mr. Blue moved in and began caring for him. “He died in my arms. There was no service or funeral,” he says. “I wanted out. Not to be around anyone.” He began living in his vehicle. Then as now, Mr. Blue works part-time as a caregiver for a visually impaired friend in Oakland. “I’d work for him and then go to my car.”

Building Futures’ Street Outreach team checked in on Mr. Blue and others living in vehicles and tents in San Leandro. At first, he didn’t trust the help he was offered. But after a time, he began coming in for lunch and laundry, and to charge his phone. A Building Futures staff member told him about the Lewelling Shelter and Drop-In Center and urged him to visit. He was hesitant, but the Building Futures staff kept up their encouragement.

Mr. Blue was one of the very first people who stayed at the Lewelling Shelter. “A bed, clean towels, and a shower. I liked it,” he says. Building Futures provided meals and helped cover much-needed car repairs. Our housing navigator helped Mr. Blue review options and complete housing applications. They worked together to ensure he had the resources to cover his expenses, and that his new apartment met his needs. Today, Mr. Blue has a place to call home—with onsite supportive services—in a brand-new building.