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We are rooted in service & advocacy.
On December 1, 1999, we opened our doors as the Veterans Equity Center (VEC) to honor the valuable contributions of Filipino World War II veterans through direct services and advocacy. We formally changed our name to the Bayanihan Equity Center (BEC) in 2017 to reflect the expanded services provided for low-income immigrant San Francisco seniors, people with disability, and families.
Through the changes, we remain rooted in service. Our mission is to provide culturally responsive services to address the needs and advance the rights of marginalized communities in pursuit of equity and justice.
In loving memory of Tim Figueras
The Bayanihan Equity Center mourns the passing of a beloved board member, Tim Figueras.
Tim was a brother, a coach, a role model, a father figure, and a friend to many. Tim is loved by a lot of South of Market youth who attended Bessie Carmichael School and other youth in the neighborhood.
Tim has been a BEC board member for over eight years. Tim had a community first philosophy and a compassion for the disenfranchised. Tim enjoyed the fun events in the community. He had been a fixture at the SoMa Barrio Fiesta making one of his favorites, mais con yelo.
BEC lost a leader. The community lost a champion. Some of us lost a very good friend.
Tim, you will be missed.


Community Services Program
BEC hosts recreational activities, and provides case management services in areas related to affordable housing, immigration, transportation, and many more, for San Francisco seniors and adults with disability.
Languages: English, Tagalog, Itawis, Ilocano, Bisaya, Taishanese and Cantonese.
Food Access
As a community partner of the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank, BEC hosts a weekly pantry site for enrolled participants.
Additionally, in response to the growing food insecurity brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, BEC created the Supplemental Grocery Program for low-income immigrant older adults, adults with disability and families.

Community Outreach & Education
BEC provides educational workshops, produces in-language materials, and collaborates with community-based organizations to inform and empower the community.
BEC has supported the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' We Can Do This COVID-19 education campaign to increased education and awareness about COVID-19 vaccines, and ways to stay safe.
BEC was also involved in the Bay Area Filipino Complete Count Committee to encourage Filipino American participation in the 2020 Census.
NEED ASSISTANCE?
Our team is available to assist you during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, from 9:00 am-5:00 pm. In-person assistance is BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. Call us at (415) 255-2347.
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