Concord Awards $1.6 Million Grant to Caminar to Launch Mobile Dignity Center for the Unhoused

Concord, CA - September 12, 2025 - The City of Concord has taken another bold step in its commitment to reducing homelessness with the City Council's unanimous approval of a $1.6 million grant to Caminar, a leading nonprofit organization, to launch a two-year Mobile Dignity Center program.

The Mobile Dignity Center is designed to meet people where they are, with no preconditions for service. This program will operate one day per week at its initial site-First Christian Church on Willow Pass Road-and will serve approximately 300 individuals over the course of two years. Services will include housing navigation, case management, food and clothing distribution, hygiene support, medical care, and mental health services.

"This grant represents a significant investment in innovative and compassionate, coordinated care for our most vulnerable residents," said Mayor Carlyn Obringer. "By bringing services directly to those in need, we're removing barriers and creating real pathways out of homelessness."

The program is a collaborative effort led by Caminar, in partnership with NAMI Contra Costa, Loaves and Fishes of Contra Costa, White Pony Express, RotaCare, First Christian Church (Concord), and the Pleasant Hill Seventh Day Adventist Church. The initiative is funded through Measure V and the general fund, previously the American Rescue Plan Act funds, totaling $1,638,896.

Caminar currently leads the City's Rapid Rehousing Program and aims to help at least 30 individuals with finding housing through this program. Once established, they hope to expand the Mobile Dignity Center to other sites in Concord. Future locations will be selected in coordination with and approved by the City.

The Mobile Dignity Center is part of the City's broader Homeless Strategic Plan (HSP). Since 2023, the City has invested $5 million in homeless services through grants to five nonprofit organizations, and the HSP has already contributed to a 45% reduction in unsheltered individuals.

To view the progress of the grants and the impact on the unhoused community in Concord, please visit the new Homeless Strategic Plan Outcomes Dashboard at www.cityofconcord.org/HomelessStrategicPlan. This interactive tool provides transparent, real-time data on the City's progress in reducing homelessness and improving service delivery.

For more information about Concord's Homeless Strategic Plan and ongoing initiatives, visit: www.cityofconcord.org/HomelessStrategicPlan

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