Our Programs
The world can be an overwhelming place for many recently released people. That is why the BAFC teams assists parolees with housing, employment, getting a driver's license, learning new technology, and more.
HOUSING
Many parolees do not have secure housing available when they leave prison. So, one of the most important things they need to get their life back on track is secure, transitional housing. That is why BAFC opened the Freedom House, a peaceful 2,000 square foot property located in the East Bay. The Freedom House provides space for up to eight parolees and is run collectively by the residents. The first year of housing costs are completely covered by BAFC, so that parolees can focus on reintegration.
RE-ENTRY TEAMS
The BAFC has built a corps of volunteers who provide peer support for recently released community members. Recently released members are matched with volunteers who can offer logistical and social/emotional support for three to six months with projects including getting a driver's license, getting a phone, and more. We also have a “reserve corps” of on-call volunteers who offer occasional support. And we have a team of volunteers with lived experience in re-entry who serve as re-entry advisors, offering advice and technical assistance to volunteers who are newer to re-entry work.
ADVOCACY
BAFC supports incarcerated people fighting for their freedom. We work with people in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention to advocate for their rights and immigration reform, and we help prisoners with board hearings and support letters. One of our goals is to build a more just criminal justice system that focuses on rehabilitation instead of retaliation.