Local

Five local housing initiatives that redefine Modesto's approach to homelessness

Stories by Modesto Bee journalists, with AI summarization

The curated articles show how Modesto uses various housing strategies to address homelessness and housing insecurity. These efforts involve partnerships among nonprofits, city officials, and community groups.

One example shows how Family Promise shifted from rotating church shelters to a single facility with housing and support for families. Another project will convert the El Capitan Motel into low-cost apartments for veterans and people with mental health needs. The city received state funding to help people move from encampments on Yosemite Boulevard into shelters and permanent housing. Dignity Village, a new complex, now offers 42 tiny homes as interim housing for adults facing mental health and substance challenges.

Family Promise resident Michelle Moore in her room at the Church of the Brethren in Modesto, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2024. Family Promise of Greater Modesto has worked since 2005 to help parents and children avoid homelessness.

NO. 1: MODESTO-AREA CHURCHES TOOK TURNS HOUSING FAMILIES. NONPROFIT NOW DOES IT ALL ON ONE SITE

“If I wasn’t here, we would be on the streets,” one of the first residents said. | Published January 13, 2025 | Read Full Story by John Holland

El Captain Motel in Modesto, Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025. By Andy Alfaro

NO. 2: ANOTHER RUNDOWN MOTEL IN MODESTO COULD BECOME LOW-COST APARTMENTS. HOW MANY AND WHERE?

The city is applying to a state program that favors quick-build projects for the homeless. | Published February 5, 2025 | Read Full Story by John Holland

A homeless person sleeps behind the Modesto Gospel Mission on Yosemite Boulevard in Modesto in 2024. By Andy Alfaro

NO. 3: MODESTO GETS OVER $5M TO CLEAR HOMELESS ENCAMPMENT. HERE’S WHERE AND WHEN IT COULD HAPPEN

Here’s how the money will be spent. | Published March 3, 2025 | Read Full Story by Trevor Morgan

Dignity Village, a 42-unit bridge housing project on Ninth Street, was opened during a ceremony in Modesto on Thursday, March 27, 2025. The 70-square-foot units will be used as interim housing for adults battling homelessness, substance use and mental health disorders. The first residents will start moving into the complex this weekend. By Andy Alfaro

NO. 4: DIGNITY VILLAGE OPENS IN MODESTO WITH 42 TINY HOMES. A PLACE TO STOP THE DOWNHILL SLIDE

Officials said the 42 tiny houses will provide a safe and comfortable home for adults while they recover from substance use and mental health disorders. | Published March 28, 2025 | Read Full Story by Ken Carlson

Marple Manor resident Mae LeRoy speaks with Ann Veneman, former U.S. secretary of agriculture and former UNICEF executive director, in her newly renovated room on April 23, 2025. By Julietta Bisharyan

NO. 5: $30M IN RENOVATIONS COMPLETED AT 2 MODESTO AFFORDABLE SENIOR HOUSING COMMUNITIES

“I love it here. If I won the lottery, I’d actually be sad because I’d have to leave,” Marple Manor resident Mae LeRoy said. | Published April 24, 2025 | Read Full Story by Julietta Bisharyan

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.