Architectural rendering of Fresno Mission's new 9-acre City Center campus at 2025 E Dakota Ave. near Manchester Center. (Fresno Mission)
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The Fresno Mission announced plans last year to remodel the old Sierra Hospital into a campus where people facing a crisis could walk in and be treated with more than a warm bed and a hot meal.
As the $30 million project at 2025 E Dakota Ave. nears completion, Bank of America is stepping up with a $500,000 grant for the Heartbeat Hub Welcome Center.
“We are all just one life-event from the possibility of becoming homeless, but together we can help these individuals and families get back on steady footing and rebuild their financial futures,” said Mark Riley, Bank of America Fresno president. “We’re proud that our half-million-dollar investment helps Fresno Mission get a step closer to opening its doors for this vital campus.”
Designed to Feel Less Like a Shelter and More Like a Community
The welcome center is designed to not feel like a homeless shelter or a government building, but rather a place where families can find help, peace, and relief.
Fresno Mission CEO Matt Dildine calls the center “ground zero” for helping homeless people and human trafficking victims.
“When people come here, they’re going to know that people care about them,” Dildine said. “We want to give the absolute best for the people who sometimes feel like the least. …We want to have the best campus in Fresno.”
Watch: City Leaders Announce Plans for City Center
Nine Acre Campus
The soon-to-be-finished City Center is a 165,000-square-foot campus spanning nine acres near Manchester Center.
While the project has been spearheaded by the Fresno Mission, the facility will bring together 20 different organizations focusing on the emergency needs of the region’s most vulnerable residents.
City Center includes a free choice market, a charter school, mental health services, a childcare center, family health care, a barbershop, recreational playgrounds for sports and events, and a restaurant and coffee shop.
In addition, the campus will provide emergency housing for families with as many as 10 members.
Fresno Missions Plans for the City Center
When Will City Center Open Its Doors?
With renovations still in progress, City Center is set to open later this year followed by its residential housing space in summer 2023.
Liz Juarez joined GV Wire in July, 2021 as a Digital News Producer. She has experience working for publications around the Central Valley including the Clovis Roundup, Porterville Recorder and Hanford Sentinel. While in college, she interned for Mountain West Athletics and served as Outreach Chair for the Fresno State Radio and Television Digital News Association (RTDNA). Liz earned a bachelor's degree in Media Communications and Journalism at Fresno State and a master's degree in Communications from Arizona State University. In her down time, she enjoys reading, drawing and staying active by playing basketball, taking trips to the coast and visiting national parks.
You can contact Liz at liz.juarez@gvwire.com
