Dignity Day Empowers Unsheltered Community in Vallejo

Dr. Michael Hester’s vision for the unsheltered community in Vallejo came to life on March 2, 2024, during the tenth biannual Dignity Day event at the Solano Dream Center. The initiative aimed to uplift those experiencing homelessness by focusing on three core principles: Listen, Love, and Learn. This year, attendees received essential supplies and services designed to promote dignity and well-being.

By 13:00, Dignity Day officials reported that 96 individuals had participated, accessing new clothing, shoes, solar-powered backpacks, showers, haircuts, and other necessities. Hester, who founded the event in 2021, expressed satisfaction in seeing the impact made, even if only for a single day. “Everyone is excited to get new clothes, backpacks, all these supplies,” he stated. “I feel great knowing that I’m fulfilling the will of God and that I’m seeing so many smiles on people’s faces.”

Among the attendees was John Garcia, who left the event with a new haircut and a bag filled with supplies. “What did I like the best about this event? Everything. Everything,” Garcia said. Similarly, Denise Bouwsma highlighted the opportunity to take a shower as a significant benefit, stating, “This event is great. Everyone is so nice. I’ve been to every one since they started doing it. I got new shoes today too.”

The event showcased numerous volunteers who provided valuable services. Karen Banks, a volunteer with Lighthouse, assisted in the shower facility. “Everyone keeps coming out of the shower feeling like a new person,” Banks noted. “They tell me ‘thank you’ and ‘God bless you.’ Today feels like a day of service.”

Another volunteer, Paula Vargas, managed a clothing distribution tent, offering essentials such as underwear, hoodies, and hygiene products. “It’s a blessing,” she remarked. “We’re able to bless these people. We are all God’s people.”

This year, Dignity Day introduced a new feature: a salon offering facials. Young attendees, such as Lillianna Brown, enjoyed the pampering while receiving care from community members.

As the event unfolded, it was evident that the need for such initiatives continues to grow. A recent report from the 2024 Point in Time homeless count indicated that homelessness in Vallejo increased by 50 percent from 2022 to 2024, with 682 people experiencing homelessness at some point in the city during 2024. This uptick reflects a broader trend, with a 6 percent rise in homelessness across the Bay Area and an 18 percent increase nationally.

Vallejo has seen progress in addressing homelessness, including the opening of the Blue Oak Landing Project, a 74-unit permanent supportive housing initiative, which has been fully occupied since June 2023. The city also welcomed the long-awaited 125-bed Navigation Center shelter in June 2023, providing critical wraparound services such as case management and health care.

Despite these developments, the Broadway Project, originally budgeted at $9 million, has faced significant cost overruns, now totaling $27 million. The project has experienced multiple delays, with current projections for completion extending into 2025. Concerns have been raised about the project’s financial viability, with one former mayor labeling it a “financial catastrophe.”

Dr. Hester also voiced concerns about the impact of encampment sweeps, which displace individuals without providing alternative housing options. He described the practice as akin to a game of “Whac-A-Mole,” where displaced individuals simply relocate, exacerbating their struggles. “Sweeps are disrupting the lives of people that have already seen their lives disrupted multiple times,” Hester explained. “They lose any pride that they already had and it’s as if they are being dehumanized.”

Looking ahead, Hester is already planning the next Dignity Day, likely scheduled for the second Saturday in April 2024. The continued collaboration of community organizations will play a vital role in addressing homelessness in Vallejo, with numerous service providers participating in this year’s event, including the Fighting Back Partnership, Liberty Church Warrior’s Spiritual Care Team, and Solano County Behavioral Health.

Through events like Dignity Day, the community aims to foster a sense of belonging and support for those experiencing homelessness, emphasizing the importance of compassion and action in addressing this pressing social issue.