BAYANIHAN EQUITY CENTER

The Bayanihan Equity Center is a multi-service nonprofit organization serving seniors, adults with disability, and families since 1999.

The organization was originally founded on December 1, 1999 as the Veterans Equity Center to serve Filipino World War II veterans and their families. The organization developed a "one-stop-shop" service delivery system that bridges the gap between existing services in the community with the veteran population in need of services.

The organization observed a growing number of low-income, immigrant older adults accessing its services. To address the growing needs of the community and demand for services, coupled with the high mortality rate among its original consumers, the Veterans Equity Center expanded its mission and formally changed its name to the Bayanihan Equity Center (BEC) in 2017.

The BEC expanded its services to include, housing assistance, food pantry, exercise class for older adults, community choir and arts and crafts. BEC serves as an activity center for the older adults and adults with disability in San Francisco, especially for the South of Market residents.