Modesto funds ‘HopeWorks’ partnership to replace Downtown Streets Team; council approves $1.25 million MOU

The Modesto City Council on Oct. 14 approved a one-year memorandum of understanding that shifts the city’s litter-abatement and employment-training work formerly done by Downtown Streets Team to a partnership led by United Way of Stanislaus County and operated locally by Modesto Gospel Mission.

City staff said the new program, to be branded as a job-readiness and outreach effort (announced as HopeWorks in the meeting), will employ 68 people on part-time paid assignments and offer case management and connections to housing and benefits. Council approved the MOU and a matching budget amendment for up to $1,250,000 for the first year.

Why it matters: Downtown Streets Team announced the closure of all operations effective Oct. 31, leaving roughly 68 Modesto team members without the training, stipends and case-management supports they had received. City leaders said the transition preserves jobs and outreach capacity that connect people experiencing homelessness to housing, health care and permanent employment.

City presentation: Jessica…