In 1953, a group of Oakland churches and advocates came together to create the first organization of its kind in the Bay Area, founded to respond to the growing needs of elders and people with mental health issues. As the agency grew in size and expertise, we focused on the connections between mental health and lack of available affordable housing. By 1965, Bay Area Community Services (BACS) was targeting rising homelessness around our community.

Our Mission is "To uplift individuals, families, and communities by doing whatever it takes."