Our Mission
The YW Basic Needs Program strives towards providing basic necessities to individuals and families in need.
Our goal is to reduce barriers to accessing basic needs, to connect community member with additional YWCA services, build long term partnerships with local businesses and nonprofits, and promote dignity and equitable access to resources.
The YW Basic Needs program is available for those individuals that fall under the following situations:
Low-income families and individuals, including those living below or near the federal poverty line
Justice system impacted individuals, including formerly incarcerated people and their families
Immigrant and refugee community members, regardless of documentation status
BIPOC individuals and families facing systemic barriers to resources
Unhoused individuals, including those in shelters, transitional housing, or living unsheltered
Seniors on fixed incomes, students (K-12, college, or continuing education), and people of all other age groups
Survivors of domestic violence or abuse connected to YWCA's other programs
Anyone facing food insecurity, housing instability, or unmet basic needs who might benefit from this program
90% of our participants are low income.
82% of our food pantry participants said they worry about food.
Over 7,000 basic need items were distributed to our community in 2025.
THE NEED
Basic Needs Support
The YW Basic Needs program is here to help community members access essential resources with dignity, care, and respect. As our program grows we are shifting our program to directly connecting individuals and families with basic needs support and available community resources.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a need for…
food or groceries
clothing, that includes: shirts, jackets, pants, and dresses
hygiene and personal care products
makeup products
reproductive and mensural health products
laundry essentials
communication assistance
transportation
You can submit a request through our Basic Needs Request Form.
You don’t have to navigate a difficult moment alone. We are here to help connect our community with the resources they need to move forward.
Request Resources Here:
Planting the seeds of community care.
In response to elevated community needs, we are proud to launch the YW Basic Needs Program to help community members access the essentials they need to live a life with dignity and respect.
For many people in our community, basic needs are not guaranteed. Rising costs for food, hygiene products, transportation and housing mean that even a small gap can quickly become a major setback.
Through this program we are strengthening our commitment to meet these needs by connecting community members with essential resources and support when they need it most.
Our community has already told us how
much this support matters.
Why support us?
Across Berkeley and Oakland, individuals and families are struggling to afford essentials. Many people who need help may not qualify for traditional services, may be facing urgent circumstances, or may need support without going through complicated paperwork.
YWCA Berkeley/Oakland meets people where they are, offering practical support that helps reduce immediate barriers and restore a sense of dignity.
