Building Housing Stability in Modesto One Partnership at a Time

August 14, 2026 - City Manager Blog

Addressing homelessness is a collaborative effort, and through continued partnerships and innovative housing solutions, the City of Modesto experienced an approximately 11% reduction in the number of people experiencing homelessness in the 2026 Point-Time-Count. While there is still work to be done ahead, the City's ongoing efforts continue to produce measurable progress.

The Stanislaus County Point-in-Time (PIT) Count is a survey of sheltered and unsheltered individuals experiencing homelessness. As a result of the survey completed this year, unsheltered homelessness declined by 25% in the City of Modesto, a notable decrease of 172 fewer individuals counted. This decline aligns closely with the addition of new shelter and housing options that became available during this period. Projects like Grace Gardens, Dignity Village, Hannah's House, and Jenny's Place expanded local capacity by 106 housing units and 60 shelter beds, providing more avenues for individuals to access stable shelter. These investments are reflected in the 2026 PIT results.

While many factors influence the annual count, these results indicate that continued investments in shelter, bridge housing, supportive housing and permanent housing are making a positive impact in our community.

Since 2019, the City has partnered with nonprofit partners, regional agencies, and housing developers to add more than 400 shelter beds and over 600 transitional, permanent supportive, and affordable housing units in Modesto. The City's new Housing Continuum Dashboard highlights 97 affordable housing units now under construction, with another 234 supportive and affordable housing units the city is supporting through collaborative partnerships and identifying funding opportunities.

One of our most impactful, and newest initiatives is the Motel Voucher Program, operated in partnership with Turning Point Community Programs and funded by Measure H. Staff identified an issue in the system, where we didn't have a short-term solution to get individuals off the street for a couple of days to make that connection to services and permanent housing solutions. This program provides immediate, short-term shelter for individuals and families experiencing homelessness while connecting them with supportive services and pathways to stable housing.

From June 2025 through June 2026, the Motel Voucher Program has served 129 individuals across 83 households. Most importantly, 76 individuals have successfully transitioned into permanent housing. Another 11 have moved into interim housing or shelter, demonstrating the program's effectiveness in helping individuals experiencing homelessness take meaningful steps toward long-term stability.

The effectiveness of this program is best seen through real experiences. Eric and Maria Austin's story shows what this program makes possible. Eric Austin is a disabled U.S. Air Force Veteran who has built a life with his partner, Maria, through years of commitment and perseverance. Their journey was disrupted when Eric's health declined, leading to extended hospitalization and a period of housing instability that placed significant strain on their lives. During this time of crisis, Eric and Maria were supported by the Motel Voucher Program, ensuring a safe and stable environment while Eric was recovering. Alongside temporary housing support, case managers helped connect Eric and Maria to ongoing services, benefits, and permanent housing pathways.

"It means everything to me. It means I can now take care of me" Eric says.

Together, these integrated services played a key role in helping Eric and Maria regain stability. As part of our comprehensive approach to addressing homelessness, the Motel Voucher Program is one of several innovative strategies the City is advancing, alongside bridge housing.

Building on the success of bridge housing projects like Grace Gardens and Dignity Village, the City is currently soliciting Requests for Qualifications (RFQ) for bridge housing host sites, service providers, and site operators. In addition to exploring opportunities to purchase land for bridge housing sites. The success of these programs is attributed to strong regional partnerships. If you are interested in becoming a bridge housing partner, reach out to our Community Development Division.

The City of Modesto is committed to continuing to improve outcomes for residents and building housing stability, one partnership at a time.