Building Futures

Kids make up 52% of our shelters. And right now, the Alameda Midway Shelter, the San Leandro Shelter, and our Domestic Violence Safe House are completely full.
That means we have more kids than ever in need of your support for back to school clothes and supplies.

We want to ensure the children and youth are well equipped and feeling confident all year long! We need your help to set kids up for success in this new school year!

How can you help?

We’ve set up an online “shopping list” to raise money for much-needed items to set up the children for success—you can add multiple “items” when you donate.
They already have their backpacks, so new shoes and new clothing are at the top of the list! Gift cards are great and give mothers the ability to respond to the child’s most immediate needs.

https://givedirect.org/buildingfutures/backtoschool

Questions? Contact Ana at [email protected].

Juneteenth honors the end to slavery in the United States and is considered the longest-running African American holiday.

Since 1865, Juneteenth has been celebrated annually on June 19th in various parts of the United States. After gaining their freedom, former enslaved African Americans and their descendants would travel to Galveston, TX annually in honor of Juneteenth. That tradition soon spread to other states, but it wasn't uncommon for white people to bar African Americans from celebrating in public spaces, forcing them to get creative. According to the Houston Parks and Recreation Department, Black community leaders in Houston saved $1,000 to purchase land in 1872 that would be devoted specifically to Juneteenth celebrations. That land became Emancipation Park, a name that it still bears. Juneteenth celebrations often involved helping newly freed Black folks learn about their voting rights.

Community Spotlight! A heartfelt thank you to First Presbyterian Church of San Leandro for donating two "Move In Kits" to support families and individuals transitioning out of homelessness. Building Futures’ services help our clients overcome obstacles to housing.

Sometimes the people we serve arrive at our facilities with nothing but the clothes they are wearing. As they move into their new home after being homeless, the Move In Kits are so important—they help transform an empty apartment into a place that feels like home.

Building Futures is proud to be housing more families than ever before, with a goal of connecting hundreds of households to housing in the year ahead. Donations of essential household items such as blankets, sheets, towels, dishes, cookware, and cleaning supplies help families get off to a positive start as they rebuild their lives.

Special thanks to Gigi MacLeod of First Presbyterian for delivering the kits and for being a dedicated member of our Circle of Strength monthly giving program. Monthly donors like Gigi provide a steady stream of support that helps keep Building Futures' programs and services strong year-round.

Thank you to the entire congregation at the First Presbyterian Church of San Leandro for helping make new beginnings possible.

To help and get involved, visit: www.bfwc.org/inkind