Community Collaboration
On December 4th, DignityMoves hosted a successful “Build Day” to celebrate the ongoing development of Dignity Village, a transformative 42-unit bridge housing project at 914 E Street in Modesto. Local elected officials joined the event, taking part in construction activities, touring the site, and gaining insight into this critical initiative aimed at addressing homelessness among individuals with serious mental illness (SMI) and substance use disorders (SUD).
Dignity Village is part of the Behavioral Health Bridge Housing (BHBH) Program, funded by the California Department of Health Care Services. Signed into law in 2022, this program dedicates $1.5 billion to create immediate housing solutions for individuals with behavioral health challenges. In June 2023, Stanislaus County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS) secured $3,023,037 in BHBH funds to develop Dignity Village, which includes up to $75,000 per unit for infrastructure costs.
Dignity Village
The site, located at the corner of 9th and E Street, is owned by the City of Modesto and is strategically positioned near existing homeless services. The County partnered with the City to develop this project, assisting individuals experiencing homelessness in our community as well as those navigating the CARE Court process. The collaboration with DignityMoves to develop the site was approved the Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors on April 30, 2024.
The 42-unit interim housing complex will include toilets, showers, dining facilities, laundry facilities, offices, a dog run, and social areas. Three units are designed to accommodate residents with accessibility needs. The overarching goal is to eliminate barriers and create a clear pathway to stable, permanent housing. Inspired by a similar project in Santa Barbara, Dignity Village is thoughtfully designed to foster recovery and community.
Dignity Village demonstrates how collaboration between local government, service providers, and community organizations can create meaningful solutions to homelessness. By integrating housing with behavioral health services, this project is paving the way for stability and hope for some of the community’s most vulnerable members.
Community Partners
Though BHRS funding, several key partners have contributed to making Dignity Village a reality.
Host Site Owner: City of Modesto
Site Operator: Modesto BHBH, LP
- Will maintain a safe and operable place for residents.
- Will include on-site staff and overnight security.
- Will partner with the service providers to develop a plan for permanent housing beyond their stay at the bridge housing site.
Service Provider: Stanislaus County BHRS
- Will provide referrals and support with linkages to benefits, medical services, mental health services, and support individuals in housing navigation
- Goal is to reduce barriers to housing
Progress
Construction of Dignity Village is on track to be completed early 2025, with residents moving in shortly thereafter. This successful Build Day marked a significant milestone, celebrating the partnerships and progress that have brought this project closer to fruition.
Press Release Contact
Sonya Severo
Public Relations and Legislative Affairs Manager
209-497-0075
Email Sonya Severo
