This organization does so much to help homeless veterans and their families. I'm so amazed at how their staff shows so much love and compassion for every family they help. They are always in the community providing resources and just trying to make a difference
I moved to Berkeley in September, 2012, and wanted to get connected with the community, and give back. BFHP came recommended to me, and appeared to be the largest, most well established organization for the homeless, and so I got involved.
I committed to one day a week and ended up often showing up 3 or 4 days and applying to work there. I felt like my time was valued, like their mission was crucially important, and that the staff was knowledgable and available. I have loved my time there and will miss it as I begin a full time job in the city...
I have just started serving as a board member for this organization, and the experience has been amazing so far. I am inspired by their care, compassion, and most of all, their effectiveness. They often not only meet their goals of service to their clients, but also exceed them. They are passionate advocates for homelessness issues and tireless pioneers seeking to improve and expand their service offerings. I am proud and honored to be a part of their team.
I am tremendously impressed with the effectiveness of this organization and with the respect and caring they show for their clients. Last year they were by far the most effective organization in Alameda County in moving the homeless into permanent housing and their retention rate after a year was nearly 100%. They offer the kind of comprehensive ongoing support that is essential for long term success to clients who often have multiple risks for homelessness such as mental illness and substance abuse.
I am a long-time Berkeley resident who has been familiar with the Berkeley Food and Housing Project for most of that time. Over that time I have supported the agency in many ways: serving as a board member; consistently donating money, time, and advice; and ensured that all of my friends became familiar with the agency and became active donars of money and time. The services provided by BFHP help clients acquire what they need to become self sufficient (e.g., completion of basic educational needs, withdrawal from addictions) and build a safe and fulfilling life for themselves and their children.
Bad treatment of staff and clients, prejudice to African Americans, they fired all African Americans in management positions and hired whites, Disrespectful to staff, the ED, AD and controller have no respect for their employees. The Board Of Directors either are not aware of what is going on or they don't care. The City of Berkeley should investigate this non-profit.
Absolutely AWESOME organization with an incredibly difficult task - Feed and House those members of society that (right now) can not do it for themselves without some aid.... That aid is provided by the Berkeley Food and Housing Project.
I am and continue to be a contributor/donor
I began by wanted to help somehow and only volunteering once a week. After only a few trips to the BFHP, I incresed by volunteering hours to multiple times a week. The staff I am surrounded by have come to know and respect the individuals that come through those doors searching for a hot meal. Eventually, I have come to be on a personal level with many of the homeless men and women as well. It is such a terrible thing to see, so many people without shelter, but through the BFHP, people have guidance in getting on the right track to finding a home and a job.
BFHP does a lot of good for a lot of people and with limited resources. It houses and feeds hundreds of homeless every year, is a good employer and an essential member of the Berkeley community. As an executive director of another local nonprofit, I know how tough it is to provide community services on a shoestring budget -- and BFHP is a model of good management! BFHP is committed to its mission, always looking to improve and expand its services, and knows how to leverage community resources on behalf of its clients.