City leaders in Stockton are taking significant strides to tackle the homelessness crisis with the unveiling of the Pathways Project. Backed by a $21 million investment, the initiative aims to provide a new low-barrier shelter and comprehensive services for the unhoused population in the city.The plans were unveiled at the Memorial Civic Auditorium, where St. Mary's Dining Room and Stockton officials shared site plans and renderings for the new shelter. The Pathways Project is set to increase the city's shelter capacity by 326 beds, offering much-needed support to those experiencing homelessness.
"This is the beginning of ending unsheltered homelessness in Stockton," stated Petra Linden, CEO of St. Mary's Dining Room. "We're creating a new type of shelter where the most vulnerable in our homeless community will have their own individual unit."
The shelter, scheduled to break ground this fall, will be located on South Lincoln Street between West Sonora and West Church streets. It will serve as an expansion of the services already offered by St. Mary's, which has been addressing poverty in San Joaquin County since 1955.
Once operational, the Pathways Project will provide 232 individual 8-feet-by-8-feet bedroom units for up to six months. During this time, residents will receive assessments and access to wraparound services to determine their needs and find long-term housing solutions. St. Mary's will also offer medical and dental care through Community Medical Centers clinics.
Linden emphasized that the shelter aims to cater to individuals' unique needs, including those with partners and pets. "Currently, many couples are unable to stay together in shelters. But half of the units in the Pathways Project will be accessible to couples, and residents will be allowed to keep pets in their units."
City Manager Harry Black expressed optimism about the Pathways Project's impact on reducing homelessness in Stockton. "Based on the last Point in Time count, this project, along with other initiatives, brings us closer to our goal of providing a bed for every unhoused Stocktonian," he said.
The Pathways Project is a joint effort supported by the City of Stockton, San Joaquin County, Health Plan of San Joaquin, and Dignity Health St. Joseph's Medical Center. The combined contributions of over $16 million from these entities demonstrate a strong commitment to addressing homelessness in the community.
Supervisor Robert Rickman praised St. Mary's Dining Room and other partners, stating, "These 300 units will be a critical component in bringing people off the streets."
With construction set to be completed by October 2024, the Pathways Project represents a significant step forward in providing essential support and shelter to those in need, ultimately striving to make a lasting impact on the lives of Stockton's unhoused population.
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