The Evergreen Islamic Center in San Jose is expanding its role beyond a place of worship, offering free health care, food assistance and community services to residents in need.
During Ramadan and daily prayers, the center serves as a space for spiritual reflection. It also functions as a community hub, voting center and support site providing food distribution and medical care for uninsured individuals.
A key feature is its free medical and dental clinic. The center received $150,000 from Islamic Relief, $90,000 from the California Association of Free Clinics and $50,000 from CVS to support the program, Chief Medical Officer Aifra Ahmed told San José Spotlight. Its annual operating budget for health and dental services is $50,000.
“A big part of our faith is charity,” said former board president Faisal Yazadi. He added that the center donates annually to causes including disaster relief, libraries, teacher organizations and the Second Harvest of Silicon Valley food bank.
Demand for assistance has surged. Following delays in CalFresh benefits last year, food requests increased significantly and have remained high. Board President Saqib Hassan said the center has seen nearly a 50% rise in food assistance as inflation drives up grocery prices.
On the first Saturday of each month, cars line up around the building to collect packages of rice, flour, sugar and oil. The pantry also distributes pasta, legumes, fruits, vegetables and hygiene supplies.
What began as aid for about 50 families now supports roughly 135. In the past year, the center distributed 30,453 pounds of food at a cost of $46,632, according to operations team member Jawed Iqbal. The center spends about $175 monthly on the pantry, with most items donated by community members.
“Food is getting expensive, especially for people who don’t have much to spare,” Iqbal said. “It gives them something they can rely on.”
Health services are offered every Sunday by volunteer medical and dental professionals. The clinic provides primary care, physical therapy, obstetrics and gynecology, psychiatry, basic lab work and medication. It partners with APPNA Community Health Center to staff medical volunteers.
Since opening in 2020, the clinic has served more than 650 patients through 2025 — services valued at an estimated $1 million, Yazadi said. Patients are also referred to specialists and surgeons when needed.
Dr. Mubasher Rana said many patients would otherwise go without care.
“They’re very appreciative because it’s very hard, especially for people who don’t have insurance to navigate the system,” he said.
Resident Hamza Khan recently visited the dental clinic after previously bringing his mother for medical treatment. He said the free services ease financial pressure on families without insurance.
“It means we won’t have to go through the hospital,” Khan said. “The community trying to help us this way means a lot.”
Dr. Nazish Mir said the center began offering dental services last year, including exams, X-rays, cleanings, preventive screenings and referrals. She noted that larger community clinics are often overbooked, leaving emergency rooms as the only option for uninsured patients with urgent dental needs.
“Helping them with basic care helps them avoid bigger problems later,” she said.
Imam Sami Rehman, the center’s resident scholar, said the facility supports both physical and emotional well-being. He recalled counseling a man struggling in his marriage after morning prayer.
“I’ve seen the direct impact of services provided here affecting both Muslim and non-Muslim residents every day,” Rehman said.
The center will host its annual Grand Iftar community gathering from 7 to 8:15 p.m. on March 8 at 2486 Ruby Ave. in San Jose.