5 Ways Building Futures San Leandro Is Transforming Homelessness And Domestic Violence Services In 2025
Building Futures San Leandro stands at the forefront of the fight against homelessness and domestic violence in Alameda County, California, with its mission more vital than ever as of late 2025.
The organization, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, has recently unveiled major, transformative projects that significantly expand its capacity to serve women, children, and homeless adults, making it a critical resource for the entire East Bay region. This deep dive explores the current programs, leadership, and the fresh, unique developments that define Building Futures' impact today.
Building Futures San Leandro: Organization Profile and Leadership
Building Futures for Women and Children (BFWC) is a pivotal organization dedicated to helping individuals and families rebuild their lives after experiencing homelessness and domestic violence. The agency's roots are deep in the community, tracing back nearly four decades.
- Founding Year: 1988 (The organization's mission began on Christmas Eve, 1986, with the opening of The San Leandro Refuge for Women and Children at St. Leander Catholic Church).
- Headquarters: 1840 Fairway Dr., San Leandro, CA 94577.
- Geographic Scope: San Leandro and programs throughout Alameda County.
- Core Mission: To end homelessness and domestic violence.
- Executive Director: Liz Varela.
- Key Personnel: Ana Mahiri (Development and Communication Director), Daisy Richardson (Community Engagement Specialist).
- Leadership Tenure: Executive Director Liz Varela has dedicated over 29 years to serving Building Futures.
1. The Game-Changing Lewelling Interim Housing & Drop-In Center (Opened 2025)
The single most significant, current development for Building Futures is the successful launch of the Lewelling Interim Housing & Drop-In Center, a major partnership with the City of San Leandro and the Housing Consortium of the East Bay (HCEB).
This massive, multi-faceted project dramatically increases the resources available for homeless adults in the region, a crucial expansion of Building Futures' traditional focus on women and children.
Key Milestones of the Lewelling Center:
- Interim Housing Opening: March 2025.
- Navigation Center Opening: June 2025.
- Purpose: The site offers a new shelter and drop-in services for homeless adults, providing immediate lodging, meals, and case management.
- Collaboration: The project involved a complex collaboration, including the City's approval of building permits in early 2024.
The opening of the Lewelling Center highlights a forward-thinking, collaborative approach to homelessness prevention, moving beyond emergency aid to provide comprehensive navigation services that connect clients with long-term housing solutions.
2. Comprehensive Shelter and Domestic Violence Intervention Programs
While the Lewelling Center addresses the broader homeless population, Building Futures remains deeply committed to its founding mission of supporting women and children escaping domestic violence and homelessness.
The organization operates a network of residential and non-residential programs across Alameda County, providing a safety net for those in crisis.
Key programs include:
- The San Leandro Shelter: This facility is a core residential program, offering 30 beds specifically for women with and without children. It provides a warm, safe environment complete with meals and intensive support.
- Midway Shelter: Another critical residential program offering similar services to women and children.
- Sister Me Program: A specialized residential service focusing on specific client needs.
- Domestic Violence Intervention: Building Futures is a leader in providing domestic violence intervention services, ensuring survivors have the resources to achieve safety and independence.
3. The Nation-Leading San Leandro Housing Compact
Building Futures' innovative spirit is best demonstrated through its groundbreaking partnership with the City of San Leandro and the local rental housing association. This collaboration resulted in the nation's first Housing Compact between a rental housing association and a homeless services provider.
The Housing Compact is a model for housing assistance that directly addresses the systemic barriers faced by homeless individuals trying to secure rental housing. This unique alliance streamlines the process, leverages community resources, and has been nationally recognized for its success in moving clients from shelter to permanent housing.
The success of the compact was honored with the prestigious 2017 Helen Putnam Award for Excellence, solidifying San Leandro and Building Futures as national leaders in effective housing solutions.
4. Focus on Long-Term Stability Through Case Management
The organization’s approach is not just about providing a bed; it is about fostering long-term stability and self-sufficiency. Every client receives comprehensive case management, which is a cornerstone of their service delivery.
Case management prioritizes the client’s journey toward independence, focusing on key areas such as:
- Prioritizing Housing: Developing individualized housing plans and utilizing resources like the Housing Compact.
- Employment Assistance: Connecting clients with job training, resume building, and employment opportunities.
- Mental and Physical Health: Ensuring access to necessary medical and behavioral health services.
- Financial Literacy: Teaching budgeting and financial management skills to maintain stability.
5. The 2024–2025 Impact Report and Future Outlook
Building Futures maintains transparency and accountability through regular reporting, with the 2024–2025 Impact Report being the latest publication detailing their achievements and future goals.
The report, published in late 2025, reflects the organization's current trajectory, which is heavily influenced by the successful launch of the Lewelling Center and the ongoing efforts to combat the rising tide of homelessness in Alameda County.
The future outlook for Building Futures is focused on sustaining the new Lewelling programs, strengthening the domestic violence intervention services, and continuing to advocate for policy changes that support affordable housing and homelessness prevention throughout the East Bay.
The combination of veteran leadership under Liz Varela, the innovative Housing Compact, and the major infrastructure expansion in 2025 ensures that Building Futures San Leandro will remain a vital and transformative entity in the region for years to come.
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