Bay Area Rescue Mission provides real value through the services they offer to the community. I personally referred someone there, and they were very helpful, especially in assisting a woman in her 80s. The staff showed patience, respect, and genuine care. It's reassuring to see an organization that truly follows through and supports people when they need it most. read more

Review is for volunteering experience: This year, my work team decided to volunteer at the Richmond Bay Area Rescue Mission (BARM). I did not know much about BARM, other than they do offer meals to the needy and are a Christian-faith organization. We had no idea what we'll be helping with on the day of arrival. Our entire group of 12 or so did have to pass a COVID Antigen test before entering. Our event turned out to be kitchen duties, like you read about in Kitchen Confidential or from cooking reality shows. Everyone was super friendly, but you feel the adrenalin of working hard in a commercial kitchen. You work as a team and you work safely, since you got hot surfaces, sharp objects, boiling liquids and occasionally wet floor everywhere. My main task was dishwasher, which brings back memories of my first job. Scrape, Rinse, Sanitize and dry! Those high-powered Hobart washing machines make cleanup a snap. The feel of the nozzle is great as it blasts away all food scraps. Wish I had these at home! My next task was helping cutting up some 30-50 pounds of chicken breast for a marinade. The chef was planning to make some coconut-curry soup so he occasionally dumped Five-Spice and Chili Sauce as we cut. Those Dexter Chef Knifes were super sharp and the blade was something like 10" to 12" long, like a short sword. I thought my home 6" Henckels Chef Knife was sharp but those Dexter knives were on a different level. At the end, I can show my blisters proudly. My other colleagues served food to customers, cooked, diced vegetables, cracked dozens of eggs, unloaded a delivery truck, and moved things to the freezers. They got some high-quality produce here from Costco, Sprouts, and Trader Joes, and some of it organic! Highly recommend considering BARM if you're interested in volunteering some time. Being in a commercial kitchen was also fun since you experience what its like to be part of the machine that cranks out food. Everyone had a role to play to make it possible to crank out 50-100 meals per shift. read more

Bay Area Rescue Mission - Entrance - Community Service/Non-Profit Near Me - Richmond, California

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This past month i signed up to get a bag of food items I picked up some that were not good, you should check before distributing. Also can your staff stop treating Hispanics like we are trash or a burden! Not cool specially during tough times. Donations 2 or 3 items per person is not enough specially after you throw everything else out to the trash after a certain period of time. You have to do something about all the homeless hanging out around the building I live fairly close and they come to my property to sleep and use the bathroom anywhere and everywhere. The trash and smell isn't pleasant. Many of us have kids! This isn't a very Christian place to begin with, you hire based on favoritism. The CEO's needs to re-evaluate everyone and send in some secret needed people you'll see the rudeness, careless, un Christian ways they are treated. read more

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I try to give regularly to these folks. They do really good work. I have only interacted with them as a donor but I once ran a Girl Scout Troop where a little girl told me that when her family was unhoused they were so nice to them. read more

After reading some of the reviews here, this place indeed sounds as shady as I thought that it is. We had donated to them years before and guess what - they charged our credit account for "new donation" that we never made, possibly because my wife's Asian name sounded like someone who would just let it slide. Well, I gave them benefit of the doubt though they never bothered to return my calls despite the clear message of the unauthorized charges (well, I guess they just hoped that it would go away). In addition to stopping the unauthorized payment with my card company, I am seriously considering to alert other social media so that people won't waste their money on a shady "charity". read more

Thank you Pastor smith and crystal I truly appreciate your help. I came here to pick up some food for someone in need and they were so happy

There are many reasons I have supported this mission. They are local, I like the idea that my donations stay in the community. There are no large corporate salaries being. In addition to the regular meals they serve, they have set up at the library to feed anyone who is hungry during the summer when it seems donations dry up. I do give to Goodwill, but I save the best to give to the rescue mission. read more

Honestly I don't have anything bad to say about this place. My daughter and I were in need and they were there for us. Just let them know your situation there are reasonable people. The only think that was hard on me being asthmatic and having an active 3 year old daughter, having to leave out every day. They have been doing a lot of remodeling, hopefully when that's all finished they have more time too focus on giving families or people with health conditions a day to relax. I also love how everyone is tested everyday, if you walk out of the facility and try to re-enter you have to test no matter the situation. read more

Great place to donate clothes. Everyone I have encountered has been so friendly and appreciative of our donations. They have never turned anything away as long as you abide by the COVID rules (donations must be in a bag). I've added the hours in the photo because I arrived when it was closed but gentleman near the receiving area sent me across the street where the office extension gladly accepted out items. read more

Bay Area Rescue Mission - Hours of operation and rules - Community Service/Non-Profit Near Me - Richmond, California

Amazing gift to the community they honor there funds they receive. Food shelter and classes all free to the community.

These guys are great! I had a bunch off men's clothing to donate and sadly most Oakland shelters are not accepting clothing donations at this time. These guys, though in Richmond, accept donations daily at their warehouse or at their shelter. Very friendly staff. read more

Did spring cleaning and brought items here to donate as we wanted our items (many not really used or brand new) to go directly to people in need instead of payroll for executives. When we pulled up, it was disturbing to see several people (mostly women) hovering around the parking lot and started to take items to their cars as soon as we started to unload them. The people working at the mission bringing our donations in didn't try to stop them. Even though these women may be in need, I have a feeling most of these are ending up in some weekend flea market or their yard sale. Instead of going to someone who can really use these items to cloth themselves or outfit their residence for free. So I will be looking for other places to donate where hopefully donations are better managed. read more

We always donate our former clothes and kitchen knick knacks to the BARM. The items are always happily accepted. I know that they are going to people in need. The workers at their drop-off center will help you unload your donations as welL as give you tax-deductible receipts. read more

I was going to donate clothing, still with with tags on them, and almost new shoes. I had kept them because they were expensive and pretty but I came to the conclusion that after 2 years that they were just taking up space that I needed. I heard that Rescue Mission was really helping a struggling community. At first, on the phone, I was mistakenly misdirected to their corporate offices in Richmond. Okay, that happens. The corporate office gave me the donation site address and I searched doggedly for it. By the time I found the donation location it was 4:55pm. As I pulled up, one of the employees or a volunteer made eye contact with me and then closed the door in my face. Of course that didn't make me feel all warm and fuzzy. It'll be some time before I venture a long ride there again, if ever. read more

Why donate your gently used items here? Because your donated goods go DIRECTLY to the people in need. After having three recent and horrible experiences donating at Out of Closet and Goodwill, I did not want my next donation (which included three bags full of winter coats) to get re-sold. I wanted my items to go directly to people in need. After some research I found this location...and will continue to donate here from now on. Here's more reasons why: -- When I called to inquire if they would take things that weren't on their website's "Needs List," my phone call was immediately picked up and answered by Jeff. -- He was courteous, friendly and informative. He mentioned that their donate/drop off address is 123 MacDonald Ave. not what's listed on their website (or the address on Yelp!) -- There's a parking lot AND there's people to help you unload items from your car. -- With receipt in hand, I was in and out of there in approx. five minutes. BONUS: They took the blankets, pillows, and sheets that the other locales wouldn't! And they were thankful for them. Bay Area Rescue Mission was a bit out of the way from where I was coming from, but it was totally worth it. I felt good about my donation and my experience was so positive, I will make it a point to tackle their Needs List on my next trip there. read more

I see that the majority of favorable reviews come from clueless people who would never venture into the dorm area. Understandably, most of the depressed 'guests' are down, out and to the curb for a variety of societal failures, while it is very obvious that volunteer/staff gets the best of whatever is available opposed to the terrible food, disrespect from security and very noisy, sometimes hostile interior environment afforded the clientele. It's certainly not comfortable, Christian or welcoming. But then, maybe that is intended as motivation? read more

A wonderful, wonderful place that serves the community with warmth, food, meals, shelter and education. I was so impressed by this volunteer program, that it will now be a regular weekly addition to my schedule. I really felt like the people here care about this community and truly work hard to make a difference. read more

My husband & I have been here a couple of times before today, and they have accepted all our donations with such a great attitude. We have baby clothes & items that were gently used, office/household supplies, a ton of kiddie toys, etc. We recently moved, and found a lot more gently used baby items, clothing, shoes, and a lot more toys to donate. We took them all into our truck today, and headed down that way. Once we got there, the guy working the donations came out with a cart. As soon as my husband opened the trunk, and the guy saw the baby items, he was quick to tell us no to everything. We were dumbfounded because just months prior, they were happy to take everything that we wanted to donate. I didn't know that rules have changed now, and there were restrictions on what we can donate It's sad to think that they are becoming "picky" because I thought they helped everyone in need at this rescue mission. We didn't want to donate to Goodwill or a Thrift store, because we didn't want our donations to become profitable items. We wanted to give them directly to those in need, free of charge to them. Hopefully they didn't change their rules or added restrictions...hopefully we just came on the wrong day, and dealt with the wrong person. But if you think you want to donate to them, I would double check before making a trip all the way down there. The last thing you want is to have your vehicle loaded with a lot of great things to be donated, and be turned away read more

"Because we have been given much, we too must 'GIVE'..." My Family have been anticipating the blessings of volunteering on Thanksgiving Day this year. That's what we graciously did tonight through the kindness of the Bay Area Rescue Mission in the heart of Richmond, CA. "THANK YOU" to Chef Joe Que and his wonderful staff that welcomed us with open arms and has introduced us to all the wonderful volunteers coming from all walks of life and he's given our duty assignments individually before the doors are opened and dinner starts to be served. It was an honor to generously serve these beautiful and nicest people that you could ever meet who truly appreciates every food you serve and so 'thankful' and 'grateful' for the bountiful array of dinner meal, dessert and drinks that comes to their table. You could see and feel how they appreciate it through their 'unwavering' smiles and 'love' in their hearts, their tears flowing with genuine joy with thankfulness more than words they could possibly utter. They are speechless but you could see through their eyes that they are beyond grateful. We are 'Rays of Hope' for these people whose lives are plunged in the darkest of despair. It was such an overwhelming feeling and a great honor to serve and be with them... Now I know the love of 'Volunteering' means that you are not paid in money or recognition, you are paid in 'LOVE'. People may forget what you said, or what you did, but they will 'never' forget how it made them 'Feel'. You may not have the 'Time', but you will have the 'Heart'..." "HAPPY THANKSGIVING" TO YOU ALL! A 'BIG SHOUT OUT' To The "BAY AREA RESCUE MISSION" and Their 'Phenomenal' Staff & Volunteers! Special 'Thanks' to 'Ms. Ruheene Jaura' who came all the way from Daly City to personally deliver the delicious Nothing Bundt cupcakes. GOD's Blessings & Love To You All! #BayAreaRescueMission #HappyThsnksgiving2016 #Richmond @julianedward_ @jdogg413 @abc7newsbayarea #GivingBack #BeThankful #BeGrateful #ABC7Now read more

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I'm a current resident of the Bay Area rescue mission. Today we baked chicken that wasn't done. I cut open my piece of chicken and it was bloody on the inside. The cabbage was really tough and could have been cooked a bit longer. Sadly to say that the best thing in my dinner plate was the rice which doesn't take a rocket scientist to cook. Aside from this, when another resident brought to the chef's attention that the chicken wasn't fully cooked, he got an attitude with the resident and pushed his hostile attitrude onto the rest of the resident who were waiting in line to be served. If this was a restaurant, I would have asked for a full refund of my money back. read more

Bay area rescue mission will put the men on the street for hours then lunch time at 1:15 then back out on the street until dinner at 6:15 the men has to shower together you can't bring in your own food even if you have a specific diet they still feed you what they want to feed you on Sundays your out in the cold all day on weekends they feed you dry sandwiches u only allowed to bring you own beverages and that's it although they will offer clothing shelter they will treat the homeless less than a person read more

Bay Area Rescue Mission - This is Bay Area received mission on a Sunday and this is until 1:15 then lunch then back outside until dinner - Community Service/Non-Profit Near Me - Richmond, California

I made a one time donation to them several years ago and was PROMISED I would not be asked for more money. EVERY MONTH since then, they have sent a representative to my door to ask for "another donation" and do NOT quit even when I tell the men they send around that I will call the police if they do not leave. A little over a year ago one of them tried to push past me to step into my home. Now I don't even open the door; I value my safety in my home. I ask them over and over to take me OFF their address list, but they keep coming. If I call their phone number and dial 7 to talk to their CEO or 0 to talk to an operator, a LIVE PERSON is NEVER available. So now I am DOOMED to be harassed by their constant financial requests and will NEVER donate ONE MORE RED CENT to them EVER. If you are ever thinking of donating, make it CASH ONLY and DO NOT give them your address for a receipt or YOU will be badgered every bit as much as I have been. Sincerely, Carol Seed read more

Raised in a Christian home I came to the mission. It is learning about Christian faith. I first heard about Jesus Christ from the discipleship (eminent members of the community). I accepted what they said as truth because of the evidence of love that was in their lives. read more

Bay Area Rescue Mission - Community Service/Non-Profit Near Me - Richmond, California

The Bay Area Rescue Mission is by far one of the best places one can go to volunteer their time. Everybody there is so welcoming and appreciative of the time and service given by volunteers. I can speak especially highly of the culinary staff and administrative staff as those two staffs are who I've spent the most time with while volunteering here. They are very accommodating of individual volunteers and volunteer groups. If you are looking for a place to give back in your community, this is a wonderful place to go! read more

I graduated from the Bay Area Rescue Missions recovery program over 20 years ago. I truly believe they saved my life. While it is true that if you are just looking for a place to sleep they do ask you to leave during the day because they do not have the staff or room to keep you safe, and they want you to try to take care of your business. If you have a drug or alcohol problem and want to enter their recovery program I would recommend it whole heartily. They will go out of their way to help you. They do ask that you follow rules while you are there either as a guest or in the recovery program, But the rules are there to help keep everyone safe. While I was there the ones that seemed to have a problem were the ones that expected to be catered to. As far as the staff stealing donations and lying I did not see that while I was there and I doubt it is now. The ones that are saying this probably wanted things that they saw donated and were not willing to go through the steps needed to get it. Before you believe bad things about the mission go down there and talk to them and look around. The whole organization is run on donations and they do a lot for the community with it, God Bless them. read more

Over the holidays, in looking to donate a random assortment of adult clothing, baby clothes, and toys from my extended family, I was reminded of the Bay Area Rescue Mission. In dropping off everything, I was impressed with the efficiency and courtesy of the warehouse. It was nice to see the donations, particularly the baby clothes, truly appreciated. Having not been to the warehouse in Richmond since I volunteered a few times with my youth group in high school, I was glad to see the organization still going strong and will make a point to remember them in the future. read more

I work for Kaiser Permanente Human Resource Service Center in Alameda. We donate Food Barrels to Bay Area Rescue Mission - Richmond every year. They really take care of the needy community every day, 365 days per year. God bless you all. read more

I am so happy I have found Bay Area Rescue Mission. I had 3 bags of baby clothes that I wanted to donate and had no idea where to take them. New to Richmond, I looked up local organizations. I called Bay Area Rescue Mission and asked them if they accepted childrens clothes. The man told me with an eager tone that childrens clothes were in need and I could hear the appreciation in his voice. The same day I took the clothes and I am now interested in learning more about this organization and how I can personally help out! read more

I just finish my lunch volunteer service with my son and other kids, I feel so blessed to have chance to service, all the hard work and dedication service remind us how blessed life give me, on the way back to home, my son thank you for me to bring him to service. If you want to do help the community and this is the greatest program to join, you feel give yourself a chance to be inspired, to work around with the great team, for long year, Christmas means to me is shopping and have great food, this year Christmas means to me I am really thank for what I have. I am not Chritson, however when you service the lunch and you listen the music and their messages and it make me tear off. God Bless everyone, God Bless American! read more

What a great place. We are moving out of state and had a lot of clothing and home items we were hoping to donate directly to people who need them. At the rescue two men helped us with our several loads and each time were friendly and efficient. A really good place to take all the items that will be usable to other people. read more

This is a great organization that does so much for those in need. They help those with drug and alcohol abuse backgrounds in addition to women and families in need. They have a program which if the individual completes it can turn their life around and become a productive member of society. I highly recommend supporting this organization both financially and by becoming a volunteer. read more

As a current volunteer for Bay Area Rescue Mission and I am so proud to be part of a wonderful organization that does so many wonderful things for so many people in need. It truly is neighbors helping neighbors. When I work there, I have seen first hand the compassionate and careful help that is given to people in our community in need. They help these needs on every level from food to resumes to job search and interviewing skills, utility help, rides and visits for seniors and the disabled, computer skills and much more. This is truly a group worthy of its name and they deserve all the help and support we and our neighbors can give them, Working there help my personal grow and to set better goal for myself, Wish God bless this place and hope next year will better and I will keep my volunteer job there, welcome to join the the team, if you also be in the part of the team. read more

Several times over the years we have donated clothes to what was then called the Richmond Rescue Mission. Then we started donating to the Good Stuff Thrift Shop run by the Association of Retarded Citizens. Friday we had Friendsgiving dinner at friends' who vastly overbought at Honeybaked Ham. Either they misunderstood or were misadvised, but they ended up w/ two massive hams, only one of which was served and only maybe a third of that was consumed. Our hosts gave that one to a family member and the other to us. Alan doesn't eat ham because of the sodium content and while I love Honeybaked hams, I couldn't have made a dent in it. I thought briefly about bringing it to a potluck retirement party tomorrow, then thought of the Rescue Mission. I called and the phone tree led me to Jeffrey. I asked if they could use it, explaining it was untouched. They could and we drove it down this morning, where we handed it off to someone who took it inside. It's such a pleasure to think of people enjoying that ham. read more

In need for emergency shelter for a friend, I called several shelters in the East Bay and none could take him since they didn't have the space and had long waiting lists on top of that. Bay Area Rescue Mission was the only place that I could find that would take him in on such short notice, the very same night. The man who answered the phone said to just bring him at a certain time and we'll make room for him. Now that's a true rescue mission! I used to donate a small sum here every year because they do such amazing work. Due to recent life circumstances, I've been unable to the past few years. But if I ever win the lottery, my first big donation would be to BARM for sure, and I would urge anyone who has the means to donate if they can. Even a little goes a long way here. I am not a Christian, but I applaud the work done by my Christian brothers and sisters at BARM. Thank you so much for helping the community and for your amazing work! read more

How sad. I recently tried to schedule a group of volunteers (I've done this before in years past with much success - super great volunteer coordinator) but this time (last week) it was such a disaster I will not do so again. I don't know if they've eliminated the volunteer coordinator or what, but wow...bad idea. And there was no God in the experience at all. You've lost your way BARM and it makes me sad. I can no longer recommend you to friends and I will take my volunteering to a place where God is actually mentioned. read more

Other organizations I have donated to have many rules about drop off times and what items they take, not Bay Area Rescue Mission. I belong to Glide, but I donate to BARM because I live and love the community. read more

I often drop off clothing and useful items here instead of sending it to the trash or Salvation Army. The employees/volunteers are really nice.. I grew up just a block or 2 away so I'm familiar with the organization. It's always nice to see the gentleman out there with smiles, kind words and such gratitude. Thank you for your kindness and God Bless! read more

If ever want to volunteer at an amazing place, I recommend doing it at the Bay Area Rescue Mission. The people are the best and everyone is so grateful. read more