Lodi Access Center Update
The Lodi Access Center, a key initiative addressing homelessness in Lodi, CA, continues to evolve with recent operational updates and construction progress. Here's the latest status:
Recent Developments
New Operator Selected: In October 2024, Outreach Ministries International was chosen to operate the temporary Access Center and emergency shelter for the next 12 months[14]. This follows earlier partnerships with Inner City Action and the Salvation Army[20].
Construction Progress: Aerial photos from January 2025 show ongoing work on the tent pad, which will temporarily house operations while the permanent facility is built[8]. The final design includes a 15,000-square-foot multipurpose commissary, administration offices, and 130 individual shelters within a secure, landscaped campus[3].
Current Services
The temporary shelter (operational since July 2022) provides:
Shelter: Capacity for 49 individuals nightly[20].
Support Services: Housing navigation, job training, mental health resources, and case management[1].
Amenities: Mobile showers, laundry, meals, storage, and a dog park[1].
Funding and Oversight
The project leverages Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, with $390,000 allocated for capital projects in 2024–2025[4].
The Lodi Improvement Committee regularly reviews progress, with recent discussions on unsheltered population assistance and upcoming City Council presentations[4].
Next Steps
Permanent facility construction is underway, targeting completion in late 2025[5].
A town hall meeting is planned to gather community input on homelessness initiatives[4].
Security remains a priority, with 24/7 monitoring and daily cleaning to maintain neighborhood safety[20]. The center aims to transition individuals to stable housing while expanding capacity through phased development[1].
Sources
[1] Lodi Access Center | Homeless Shelter Lodi CA | 710 N Sacramento ... https://www.lodiaccesscenter.com
[2] LODI - AAM SLC Low Duration Income ETF https://www.aamlive.com/ETF/Detail/LODI
[3] Lodi Access Center - NJA Architecture https://www.njaarchitecture.com/project/lodi-access-center
[4] [PDF] LODI IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE https://www.lodi.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02112025-1777
[5] [PDF] City Council Strategic Vision Updates – Q4 - City of Lodi https://www.lodi.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7268/Q4-Strategic-Updates-100123-123123
[6] Lodi Access Center - Facebook https://www.facebook.com/61569999026099
[7] Lodi Unified high schools to add a seventh period in effort to boost ... https://ground.news/article/lodi-unified-high-schools-to-add-a-seventh-period-in-effort-to-boost-student-achievement
[8] A few aerial shots I took of the Lodi Access Center yesterday. Note ... https://www.facebook.com/LeaderTeacherEncourager/videos/a-few-aerial-shots-i-took-of-the-lodi-access-center-yesterday-note-the-progress-/3554415071522411/
[9] Lodi Access Center - BidPrime https://www.bidprime.com/bid/8266d1f8-8ae9-488a-aff3-7589c62684fe/lodi-access-center
[10] City Council Selects Access Center Operator - Blog https://business.lodichamber.com/blog/chamber-blog-4749/post/city-council-selects-access-center-operator-37439
[11] Lodi Chamber of Commerce - VoterVoice https://www.votervoice.net/iframes/LodiChamber/BlogPosts/5861
[12] SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT TO REOPEN LODI ... https://www.sjcourts.org/san-joaquin-county-superior-court-to-reopen-lodi-branch/
[13] Town meeting regarding Lodi Access Center - The Grapevine News https://www.thegrapevine.news/2021/08/30/town-meeting-regarding-lodi-access-center/
[14] Lodi finds new access center operator - Ground News https://ground.news/article/lodi-finds-new-access-center-operator
[15] Community Meeting - Access Center | City of Lodi - Facebook https://www.facebook.com/CityofLodi/videos/community-meeting-access-center/1005193763633715/
[16] City of Lodi - Government - Facebook https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10158416554901051&id=50237996050&set=a.216937736050
[17] DWC Announces Move of Stockton Office to Lodi https://www.dir.ca.gov/DIRNews/2023/2023-86.html
[18] [PDF] Access Center Update - January 2022 - City of Lodi https://www.lodi.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4975/January-2022-Press-Release-Update
[19] Communications - Lodi Unified School District https://www.lodiusd.net/families/updates
[20] Homelessness Initiatives | Lodi, CA https://www.lodi.gov/1232/Homelessness-Initiatives
Lodi Access Center History
The Lodi Access Center's development reflects a multi-phase approach to addressing homelessness, approved in 2021, with key milestones shaping its evolution:
Origins and Planning
October 2021: The Lodi City Council approved purchasing a Sacramento Street property for the Access Center, designed as a low-barrier shelter with wraparound services[1].
Early 2022: Plans solidified for a 15,000-square-foot permanent facility featuring a commissary, administration offices, and 130 individual shelters in a secure, landscaped campus[1].
Temporary Shelter Phase
April 2022: Inner City Action was selected to operate a temporary emergency shelter (Phase 1), with Salvation Army providing meals and laundry services[1].
July 2022: The temporary shelter opened, housing up to 49 individuals nightly and offering housing navigation, mental health support, and job training[1]. Early outcomes included 80 individuals transitioning to long-term programs and 31 gaining employment by September 2023[8].
Operational Transitions
September 2023: Salvation Army took over operations from Inner City Action[14].
October 2024: Outreach Ministries International became the new operator, leveraging 40+ years of homelessness outreach experience in San Joaquin County[5].
Permanent Facility Progress
Construction Timeline: Permanent facility development began in late 2023, with aerial photos in January 2025 showing progress on the tent pad for interim operations[1].
Funding: Supported by Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), including $390,000 allocated for 2024–2025 capital projects[7].
Ancillary Programs
Safety Ambassador Program: Launched in August 2022 to address neighborhood concerns and connect unsheltered individuals with resources[1].
Harmony Homes: A 2023 supportive housing project providing four modular homes for transitional housing[1].
The center's history underscores Lodi’s commitment to balancing immediate aid with long-term solutions, prioritizing security, and community partnerships to reduce homelessness.
Sources
[1] Homelessness Initiatives | Lodi, CA https://www.lodi.gov/1232/Homelessness-Initiatives
[2] [PDF] Access Center Update - January 2022 - City of Lodi https://www.lodi.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4975/January-2022-Press-Release-Update
[3] Community Development | Lodi, CA https://www.lodi.gov/169/Community-Development
[4] Lodi Access Center - NJA Architecture https://www.njaarchitecture.com/project/lodi-access-center
[5] Lodi Access Center | Homeless Shelter Lodi CA | 710 N Sacramento ... https://www.lodiaccesscenter.com
[6] ABOUT | Lodi Access Center https://www.lodiaccesscenter.com/about
[7] [PDF] LODI CITY COUNCIL - Granicus - MediaManager Login https://lodica.granicus.com/DocumentViewer.php?file=lodica_f3c332fcd700c96a58d12f20ab3f5d53.pdf&view=1
[8] Lodi City Council selects Salvation Army to operate center ... - Yahoo https://www.yahoo.com/news/lodi-city-council-selects-salvation-195400429.html
[9] Lodi Access Center Shelter - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qOZKCn15LeQ
[10] Access Center Update - July 2022 - City of Lodi https://www.lodi.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5402/July-2022-Press-Release-Update-Final-PDF
[11] [PDF] CITY OF LODI https://www.lodi.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4539/Access-Center-Press-Release-No-4---English-PDF
[12] CommUNITY Service Team https://communityserviceteam.com
[13] Lodi Access Center - Facebook https://www.facebook.com/61569999026099
[14] Lodi eyes spring groundbreaking for homeless access center - Yahoo https://www.yahoo.com/news/lodi-eyes-spring-groundbreaking-homeless-195300056.html
[15] Community Meeting - Access Center | City of Lodi - Facebook https://www.facebook.com/CityofLodi/videos/community-meeting-access-center/1005193763633715/
[16] Lodi finds new access center operator - Ground News https://ground.news/article/lodi-finds-new-access-center-operator