South Bay pair helping unhoused residents rebuild their lives

The number of unhoused people living in Santa Clara County has soared 63% in the last decade, according to county point-in-time counts. Now a pair of women is leading a "united effort" to help people rebuild.

• Apr 22

Retired East Bay woman shares kindness through "the power of flowers"

An 83-year-old woman's idea to share kindness is in full bloom in the East Bay.

• Apr 15

Oakland woman teaches people to share stories through sewing

An Oakland woman teaches people how to stitch together their own stories of activism and belonging.

• Apr 8

Former Mill Valley executive's rabbit rescue saves thousands of abandoned bunnies

The approaching Easter holiday often means an increase in the purchase and gifting of live rabbits, and a resulting spike in abandonments. A North Bay woman has been tackling that problem for nearly three decades.

• Apr 1

East Bay woman's nonprofit uses pickleball to help battle Parkinson's disease

An East Bay woman is using the sport of pickleball to help find a cure for Parkinson's disease.

• Mar 25

San Jose woman's "emergency room" aims to keep people out of homelessness

To cut down on homelessness in the South Bay, a woman has created what she calls an "emergency room" for people facing eviction.

• Mar 18

Peninsula man's nonprofit creates community for adults with special needs near Half Moon Bay

A father's years-long effort to create a community and safe space for adults with special needs is nearing the finish line.

• Mar 11

Bay Area nonprofit helping students succeed in higher education looks to expand statewide

The nonprofit, which recieved a $42 million donation from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott, began as the Marin Education Fund in 1981.

• Mar 4

Concord nonprofit serves daily meals, provides hope for unhoused persons at city parks

Two women have been working to build a life-changing community of support in two Concord parks for some 2,000 unhoused people in Contra Costa County.

• Feb 25

Owner of San Jose nonprofit provides free bikes, repairs for people facing challenges

A San Jose shop owner has discovered that for the unhoused, a bicycle isn't just a reliable way of getting around; it can be a lifeline for a fresh start.

• Feb 11

Volunteers lead efforts to restore habitats at Oakland's Joaquin Miller Park

A pair of volunteers has spearheaded the effort to restore a part of Oakland's Joaquin Miller Park - a city-owned gem in serious need of some love.

• Feb 4

Oakland woman distributes meals to homeless residents every week, alongside volunteers

Volunteers give away meals donated by a local bakery, Love Bite Bakers, plus blankets, hand warmers, hygiene kits and provisions for pets. Her team goes to encampments in a dozen different locations.

• Jan 31

Bay Area stroke survivor, husband form nonprofit to help other stroke victims rebuild their lives

A Peninsula husband and wife are playing a critical part in helping people rebuild their lives following strokes.

• Jan 21

East Bay woman efforts provides new, filled suitcases for foster children on the move

An East Bay woman has found a way to offer dignity and comfort for some 600 foster children in Contra Costa County.

• Jan 14

2025 Icon Award winners year in review

In 2025, we honored 49 people in our first year of the CBS News Bay Area Icon Award for Outstanding Community Service.

• Jan 7

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