Press Release - Espanol [PDF]
Press Release - English [PDF]
An Access Center provides a gateway to:
All
Community
Counseling
Employment/Empowerment
Sobriety
Shelter/Support Services
“Helping create a Win/Win for the City of Lodi community”
The City of Lodi (“City”) Community Development Department, through its Neighborhood Services Division, has engaged in a citywide informational campaign, broadcasting information and gathering feedback instrumental to developing long-term solutions to homelessness in our City. A vital ingredient, and considered as the first component of a long-term solution, centers on the development of an Access Center. This Release is the fifth in a series to provide information about the Access Center to the Lodi community.
Community Survey FAQ
City Staff have reviewed all questions and comments received from community members in response to the survey, via Facebook posts, emails. We have organized these questions and comments into representative areas to limit repeated answers. These common types of questions and comments have been provided below. Do note, the questions and comments listed below are either verbatim per the survey/Facebook post or email, or were paraphrased if part of the comment or question had already been addressed in a previous response to eliminated duplicate responses. Thank you to everyone that completed the survey and provided input, we had an overwhelming response.
Questions/Comments Received from the Public and City’s Responses:
- How will the continued services be paid for?
Response: Through grant resources, Federal/State dollars, local partnerships, and County support for wraparound services, the City has demonstrated operational funding for approximately 3 years. The City will continue to apply for grant resources to assist with ongoing operations and will seek additional partnerships as well.
2. What happens if someone refuses service and also refuses to leave?
Response: We understand that not everyone will want to go to the Access Center. However, they will be provided the option as long as they are not disruptive or violent. If they choose not to go, appropriate enforcement action will be taken, every case is different and does not fit a one-size fits all approach. We do believe due to the low-barrier nature and the allowance of partners, pets, and possessions that we will have a high acceptance rate as seen in other cities with similar programs.
3. Who will pay the salaries and retirements?
Response: The City will hire a Shelter Operator, and it will be responsible for the salaries and benefits of employees working at the Access Center, through the funding provided as part of the operational agreement with the operator.
4. Will a Measure be added to the ballot to tax residents to fund the Access Center?
Response: At this time, the City has sufficient resources to develop the Access Center and operate for several years. As shared in a previous response, the City will also be seeking additional partnerships with non-profits, San Joaquin County, volunteers, and will apply for additional grant resources as they become available to limit the financial impacts to residents. At this time, the City does not anticipate a need for a tax measure to fund the Access Center operations.
5. Will there be County involvement?
Response: Yes, at the Board of Supervisors Meeting on July 13, 2021, there was a joint presentation from the cities of Lodi, Manteca, and Tracy, where the Board in a 5-0 vote approved funding development costs to each cities’ proposed shelter projects. The Board of Supervisors awarded $2.8 million to Lodi; and acknowledged that they will need to provide wraparound services support for each cities’ project.
6. How many beds will be at this facility?
Response: We are proposing a 100-bed facility that will be made up of both congregate and non-congregate sheltering.
7. Is this considered temporary housing for these people or a facility to be occupied by those entering the program until they have gotten jobs and can enter back into supportive themselves? Would this program allow people to repeat the program offered continuously?
Response: The program will provide job readiness services to individuals including offering training for multiple trades (metal/wood working, mechanics, plumbing, electrical, computer, etc.). Those that have an income, but it is limited (Social Security, Disability, Veterans Benefits, etc.) would be provided housing services.
- The proposed Access Center Emergency Shelter would be low-barrier, which would allow individuals the opportunity to go through programs again. However, users of the Access Center would be assigned a caseworker to determine necessary steps to get each individual on the right path to self-sufficiency and to make sure the individuals are making continued progress and that the system is not being abused.
8. How will you prevent loitering or other unwanted activities by homeless around the Access Center, especially near and around the businesses in the area?
Response: Any site chosen will implement a good neighbor policy (please see prior press release for more information), include a security patrol requirement, and post appropriate no loitering signage. Additionally, since the Access Center will be open during the day, residents do not need to find anywhere to go, which often is a reason for loitering. Moreover, the Access Center will allow even those not staying in the facility access to restrooms, a phone charging station, and a greenspace with tables located within the Access Center fence that they can stay at during the day as long as they are not being disruptive.
9. Will there be a public forum held for me to provide comments or ask questions?
Response: Yes, our next press release will share the details for the planned public meeting and City staff hopes that all interested individuals will participate.
For more information, contact the Community Development Department, Neighborhood Services Division at NeighborhoodServices@lodi.gov. For updates on the Lodi Access Center Engagement Process, please visit the City website at https://lodi.gov/1037/Lodi-Access-Center