Help us Grow Community Relief

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, hygiene products, transportation, clothing, school supplies, or other essentials 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.

Planting the seeds of community care.

In response to elevated community needs, we are expanding our 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.

Your support helps us respond to immediate needs with the care our community deserves.

GIVING TIERS

  • A donation in this range provides the following essentials for one person for up to two weeks

    • Undergarments (underwear, socks, undershirts, etc.)

    • Reproductive Health Products (pads, tampons, menstrual cups)

    • Essential Toiletries (toothpaste, toothbrush, floss, shampoo, body wash, face wash, lotion, deodorant, body wipes, etc.)

    • Laundry Essentials (detergent, laundromat support, basket, etc)

  • This range supports the following essentials for 1-5 people, dependent on need:

    • Emergency Cell Phone (basic cell phone for DV survivors and people in need)

    • Local Transportation (bus and BART passes, emergency transportation, etc.)

    • Emergency Housing Stipend (emergency support to keep families and women off the street)

    • Weather Gear (raincoats, umbrellas, tarps, sweaters, gloves, etc. for unhoused communities)

  • This range can support a family of 4 on one or more of the following essentials, dependent on need:

    • Food (supports up to a month of groceries for a family of 4)

    • School Supplies (backpacks, shoes, tablets, folders, etc.)

    • Clothing (professional clothing, children’s clothing, coats, shoes, etc.)

    • College Application Fees (to reduce barriers of entry for youth)

While we eagerly await the official launch of our program, we understand that needs don't always wait. If you or someone you know is in need of basic needs resources or support, please reach out to our team. We are here to help and will do our best to connect you with available resources and assistance during this time.

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.

Our community has already told us how much this support matters.

  • “As someone who is struggling financially and worries about food this was tremendously helpful. THANK YOU!”

    — Persimmon Food Pantry Participant

  • “Very diverse foods and great quantity that allowed me to prepare different meals.”

    — Persimmon Food Pantry Participant

  • “Everyone was really nice when I picked up my box, I felt supported and cared for.”

    — Persimmon Food Pantry Participant

  • “[The Food Pantry is] Very important, it allows our family to receive healthy food. With CALFRESH we can’t afford everything.“

    — Persimmon Food Pantry Participant

  • "I loved knowing that the bags we were making (full of menstrual and bodily care products) was going to be given to the community without any cost. I also enjoyed talking to interns/staff members about the org and about the orgs mission”

    — FemmU YWCA One-Time Volunteer

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.

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