UPDATE: Vallejo’s long-awaited Broadway Project homeless facility is officially opening its doors, with 10 residents receiving keys as of Monday and Tuesday. City officials confirmed that the facility, located at 2441 Broadway, is expected to achieve at least 90 percent occupancy by December 31.
“We have scheduled five tenants per business day through Christmas Eve, which will bring us up to 40 tenants with keys in hand by the end of Christmas Eve,” said Natalie Peterson, assistant to the city manager, during a City Council meeting on Tuesday. Following Christmas, move-ins will continue, contributing to a swift transition for those in need.
The Broadway Project includes 47 units of permanent supportive housing, marking a significant milestone for Vallejo as it battles homelessness amid cold winter nights. Residents have already reported seeing moving trucks at the facility, indicating rapid progress.
“This is a godsend for people experiencing homelessness who otherwise would be without shelter,” said Gillian Haen, Assistant City Manager. “Houseless people in Vallejo are moving off the street into beautiful homes for Christmas!” The facility aims to provide not just housing but a sense of community and support.
The launch follows nearly four years of delays and cost overruns, with the project initially budgeted at $9 million but ballooning to $27 million. Funding sources include $11 million from the California Homekey Project and additional support from local and federal grants.
Residents will benefit from onsite property management, a community room, and mental health services, essential for those transitioning from homelessness. Peterson assured that at least two case managers will be available to assist residents with their unique needs.
As the facility’s launch nears, a ribbon-cutting ceremony is planned for late January or early February, drawing excitement from community leaders. Councilmember Helen-Marie Gordon expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “I can’t wait for the ribbon-cutting. Thank you for your patience.”
This marks the second homeless facility to open in Vallejo this year, following the June launch of the Navigation Center, which provides 125 beds and comprehensive support services. The community response has been overwhelmingly positive, despite some skepticism voiced by critics like William Baker, who attended the City Council meeting to advocate for a memorial dedicated to former residents.
The opening of the Broadway Project is a critical development in Vallejo’s ongoing efforts to address homelessness, with officials urging the community to support the initiative as it evolves. The focus now shifts to ensuring that residents receive the necessary resources and care as they transition into their new homes.
Stay tuned for more updates as Vallejo embarks on this transformative journey for its most vulnerable citizens.
