In an uplifting move for the Stockton community, city, county, and community leaders have come together to initiate the construction of a new emergency homeless shelter, Project Pathways, aimed at tackling one of the region's most pressing challenges. Spearheaded by St. Mary's Community Services—formerly known as St. Mary’s Dining Room—the shelter is set to provide a beacon of hope for many.
Located on West Sonora Street, the forthcoming Project Pathways shelter promises to offer 288 beds, encompassing 108 single rooms, 67 double rooms, and 46 units dedicated to recuperative care. This initiative has been in the making for over a decade, with the land purchased years ago in anticipation of such a vital project.
The official groundbreaking ceremony took place on Friday, symbolizing a significant stride toward addressing homelessness. Despite the formalities, the groundwork had already commenced, with tractors and workers preparing the site for what lies ahead. Petra Linden, CEO of St. Mary’s Community Services, shared insights into the process, revealing that while the site is being prepared, the actual housing units are concurrently being assembled in a factory in Vallejo, from where they will be transported to Stockton.
Linden expressed optimism about the project's timeline, stating, “We expect to be able to open by the end of the year,” emphasizing the longstanding vision behind this initiative. The project enjoys support from various quarters, including the city of Stockton, San Joaquin County, Health Plan of San Joaquin, and Dignity Health, underscoring a collaborative effort to bring about change.
Stockton Mayor Kevin Lincoln lauded the project for its comprehensive approach to emergency housing, emphasizing its potential to transform lives beyond providing shelter. In a bid to cater to the diverse needs of those it will serve, the shelter plans to welcome partners and pets and will feature communal areas equipped with a kitchenette and meeting room.
Furthermore, the initiative is complemented by the ongoing construction of a navigation center nearby, which, upon completion, will boost the total number of new beds for the homeless to nearly 450. This development marks a crucial step in the concerted efforts to alleviate homelessness in Stockton.
San Joaquin County Supervisor Paul Canepa highlighted the groundbreaking as a testament to the progress being made in supporting the unhoused population. It serves not only as a critical component of the broader strategy to address homelessness but also as a symbol of unity and determination within the community to effect meaningful change.
As Project Pathways and the navigation center edge closer to completion, the collective efforts of Stockton’s leaders and community services shine as examples of actionable compassion and the relentless pursuit of solutions for the most vulnerable among us.
Originally published by Stocktonia.
