Former motel converted into apartment units for Stockton’s unhoused community

(FOX40.COM) — Homeless advocates unveiled a new housing complex to help get people off the streets in Stockton.

Town Center Studios on 1604 N. Wilson Way has transformed 40 motel rooms into studio apartments in hopes of providing housing to people for the long haul.

The Stockton development is a California Homekey project that converted the Relax Inn on North Wilson Way into a housing solution for people experiencing homelessness.

The project first started in January 2022, when 20 unhoused people were placed into apartments. The types of individuals filling the units are considered high-need individuals who frequently visit the hospital in need of first responder attention.

The individuals being placed into the apartments are flagged by the coordinated entry system and Dignity Health.

Heather Long, who is transitioning into one of the newer units, mentioned her medical needs and demand for a bigger space.

“I’m no longer wondering what’s going to happen… where I’m going to get my next meal, my next shower,” Long told FOX40.com.

Homeless advocate Jon Mendelson said the state of homelessness in Stockton has been a chronic issue in the city.

“The last point in time count showed 1,087 chronic individuals in the county, so those are people who are homeless for a long time with a disability,” Mendelson said. “We know there is a gap between chronic homeless people and the amount of housing available for them.”

In addition to the apartments, Town Center Studios will provide support and case management services.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40.