As more transitional housing projects come online through Behavioral Health Bridge Housing funding, programs such as Renewed Hope are giving individuals the space and support to start over. Photo courtesy of Sacramento County Health and Social Services

SACRAMENTO COUNTY, CA (MPG) - A new chapter began for dozens of Sacramento County residents stepping into stability, safety and a second chance.

Sacramento County, alongside HOPE Cooperative, community partners and residents gathered on July 31 to celebrate the grand opening of Renewed Hope, a formerly vacant motel that was transformed into a 57-unit transitional housing site designed for justice-involved adults experiencing homelessness or housing instability.

Located in Sacramento and operated by Hope Cooperative, the site offers furnished private housing, wraparound behavioral health services and onsite supports aimed at helping residents heal, stabilize and transition into permanent housing.

“While Renewed Hope provides shelter, the real power of this program isn’t in the buildings, it’s in what happens inside them,” said Dr. Ryan Quist, director of Behavioral Health for Sacramento County. “We know that when people are given a safe place to live and the right behavioral health support, they begin to believe in themselves again. That’s the kind of impact we’re here to celebrate.”

The facility began operating in May, and since then, residents have already begun the steps toward their recovery and graduate from these units into independent living.

“It’s really a big step forward,” said client Luke Smith. “Before, I didn’t have access to anything. I couldn’t even think about going forward. But now, everything is starting to work out.”

Since moving into Renewed Hope, Smith said he’s able to do his own laundry, attend the court-ordered drug and alcohol classes, and participate in life skill classes to help him get back on his feet. Adding this feels like progress.

“With 59 beds and comprehensive support services, it offers more than housing, it creates a real opportunity for healing, growth and renewal,” said April Ludwig. “Made possible through partnerships with Anthem, HealthNet, Kaiser Permanente, Molina and Sacramento County Behavioral Health Services, and supported by a Behavioral Health Bridge Housing grant, this project shows what’s possible when we lead with compassion, purpose and a belief in second chances."

Renewed Hope residents can stay up to nine months and are offered intensive services, including behavioral health care coordination, life skills, peer coaching and help planning their next step, whether that’s employment, education or permanent housing. The site includes shared community areas, onsite laundry and pet-friendly policies designed to foster comfort and connection.

As more transitional housing projects come online through Behavioral Health Bridge Housing funding, programs such as Renewed Hope are giving people the space and support to start over.

Learn more about Sacramento County’s Behavioral Health Bridge Housing projects on the county website at dhs.saccounty.gov.