UPDATE: The 10th biannual Dignity Day in Vallejo, California, brought immediate relief to the unsheltered community, with 96 individuals receiving essential supplies and services in just a few hours. The event, held at the Solano Dream Center on Saturday, October 14, 2023, was a powerful reminder of compassion and community action in the face of rising homelessness.
From 9:30 a.m., attendees lined up for new clothes, solar-powered backpacks, haircuts, and personal care services, all aimed at providing dignity and support to those in need. Dr. Michael Hester, who founded Dignity Day in 2021, emphasized the importance of listening, loving, and learning as key elements of the day, stating, “It’s only for a day, but it’s a day of impact.”
Among the participants was John Garcia, who left with a new haircut and a bag filled with essential supplies. “What did I like the best about this event? Everything,” Garcia shared. His joy mirrored that of many others, including Denise Bouwsma, who expressed gratitude for the free showers and new shoes, saying, “This event is great. Everyone is so nice.”
Volunteers played a crucial role in the event’s success. Karen Banks, assisting with the shower facilities, noted the transformation of attendees as they emerged feeling rejuvenated. “Everyone keeps coming out of the shower feeling like a new person,” Banks remarked.
New this year was a salon offering facials, which attracted many attendees, including Lillianna Brown, 13. The positive feedback from participants highlights the emotional impact of the event in providing a sense of normalcy amid challenging circumstances.
Despite the success of Dignity Day, the need for ongoing support remains critical. Vallejo has seen a staggering 50 percent increase in homelessness from 2022 to 2024, with 682 individuals experiencing homelessness this year, according to the Solano County’s 2024 Point in Time count. Nationwide, homelessness has risen by 18 percent in the past year, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
The community’s efforts are facing challenges. While projects like the Blue Oak Landing Project, a 74-unit supportive housing initiative, have been fully occupied since June, the long-awaited Broadway Project has encountered significant delays, with costs surging from an initial budget of $9 million to $27 million.
Dr. Hester voiced concerns over frequent encampment sweeps, likening the situation to “Whac-A-Mole,” where displaced individuals simply relocate without finding permanent solutions. “Sweeps are disrupting the lives of people that have already seen their lives disrupted multiple times,” he explained.
As Dignity Day wraps up, plans for the next event are already underway, likely scheduled for the second Saturday in April 2024. Community organizations, including Fighting Back Partnership, Solano County Behavioral Health, and Lighthouse Covenant Fellowship Church, continue to support these efforts, proving that compassion and action can make a meaningful difference.
Dignity Day serves as a vital reminder of the power of community in addressing homelessness, emphasizing that while one day of service is impactful, ongoing support and collaboration are essential for real change. The next steps involve strategizing solutions that can provide lasting support to Vallejo’s unsheltered population.
