San Joaquin County details Lodi Access Center funding and partnerships for homelessness services

In a recent meeting of the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors, significant progress was reported on the Lodi Access Center project, aimed at addressing homelessness and enhancing healthcare services in the city of Lodi. Healthcare Services Director Genevieve Valentine and Interim Health Director Stacy Ferrer provided an update on the project, which has received substantial funding and is designed to meet the needs of the unsheltered population.

The Lodi Access Center, located at 710 North Sacramento Street, is being developed as an emergency shelter to reduce homelessness and promote housing initiatives. The project has seen a total investment of approximately $13.4 million, including $2.8 million in capital outlay funds and an additional $8.2 million from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The funding is intended to cover various phases of the project, including infrastructure improvements, furnishings, and landscaping.

Valentine highlighted the collaborative efforts between San Joaquin County Behavioral Health and local service providers to create a comprehensive support system at the Access Center. This includes plans for co-located staff to provide on-site services and facilitate rapid rehousing for individuals experiencing homelessness. The center will also feature mental health respite beds and a sobering center, addressing the dual challenges of homelessness and substance abuse.

The meeting underscored the importance of community partnerships, with discussions about the need for a physician trained in addiction medicine to support the sobering center. The board emphasized that the Access Center is not only a resource for the homeless but also a community clinic aimed at alleviating pressure on local hospitals and emergency services.

As the project moves forward, the board will need to address the expiration of the current Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the city of Lodi, set for September 2025. Future agreements will be necessary to ensure continued collaboration and funding alignment between the city and county.

In conclusion, the Lodi Access Center project represents a significant step towards improving healthcare access and addressing homelessness in San Joaquin County. The board's commitment to fostering partnerships and innovative solutions will be crucial as they work to implement this vital community resource.