UPDATE: The 10th biannual Dignity Day in Vallejo has just concluded, providing crucial support for the unsheltered community. Held at the Solano Dream Center, this year’s event saw 96 individuals receive essential supplies, including clothing, hygiene products, and showers.
Dr. Michael Hester, who founded Dignity Day in 2021, emphasized the event’s mission: “Listen. Love. Learn.” As volunteers and vendors worked tirelessly, they created a welcoming environment, ensuring that community members felt valued and cared for. “I feel great knowing that I’m fulfilling the will of God and that I’m seeing so many smiles on people’s faces,” Hester stated.
As of 1 p.m., attendees were thrilled to access services such as haircuts and solar-powered backpacks. John Garcia, a participant, expressed his gratitude: “What did I like the best about this event? Everything. Everything was here.” His joy mirrored that of many others who attended, including Denise Bouwsma, who appreciated the chance to take a shower.
Volunteers like Karen Banks from Lighthouse highlighted the transformation that participants experienced: “Everyone keeps coming out of the shower feeling like a new person.” Meanwhile, Paula Vargas, distributing free clothing, noted, “We’re able to bless these people. We are all God’s people.”
This year’s event also introduced a salon offering facials, catering to the needs of attendees. Lillianna Brown, a young volunteer, engaged with participants, showcasing the community spirit that defines Dignity Day.
Despite the success of Dignity Day, the homelessness crisis in Vallejo remains alarming. The 2024 Point in Time homeless count reported 682 people experiencing homelessness in the city, a staggering 50 percent increase since 2022. Hester noted that while resources have expanded, the number of individuals unhoused has grown.
The city is facing challenges in addressing these issues effectively. Projects like the Blue Oak Landing Project, a 74-unit permanent supportive housing initiative, have reached full occupancy since June 2023. However, the long-delayed 125-bed Navigation Center, which opened in June, still struggles with funding and operational delays. The Broadway Project, originally budgeted at $9 million, has ballooned to $27 million amidst ongoing setbacks.
Hester expressed concern over the frequent “Whac-A-Mole” sweeps, which displace unhoused individuals without providing them alternative solutions. “Sweeps are disrupting the lives of people that have already seen their lives disrupted multiple times,” he said. “We can solve this problem, but rather than bring a solution to the table, some just want to make the problem worse.”
Despite these challenges, Dignity Day has become a beacon of hope in the community. Hester is already planning the next event for April, promising to continue the momentum of support and solidarity.
Attendees and organizers alike are hopeful that community efforts will pave the way for more sustainable solutions as they strive to uplift those in need. The success of Dignity Day is a testament to the power of compassion and collective action in the face of adversity.
As Vallejo continues to grapple with its homelessness crisis, initiatives like Dignity Day remind us of the urgent need for community support and the importance of treating every individual with dignity and respect.
