Lutheran Social Services of SoCal Announces Opening of San Bernardino Community Wellness Center

Lutheran Social Services of Southern California (LSSSC) - a leading provider of social services programs in Southern California – proudly announces the launch of its innovative and groundbreaking new Community Wellness Campus in San Bernardino. In partnership with the City of San Bernardino, the project broke ground in early 2024, funded by a $34.9 million state of Calif. Project Homekey grant. Located at 1354 North G St. in San Bernardino, a grand opening ceremony is being planned on the campus in mid-July.

The comprehensive facility for individuals experiencing homelessness, low-income populations and those with complex health and social service needs includes 140 interim housing facilities adding to the 70-bed emergency shelter operated by the nonprofit since 2016. The new campus features a large industrial kitchen addressing both food inequity and providing hands-on workforce development, a computer lab, intake center, case management, mental health/psychiatric services, and trauma-informed services to help clients reach self-sufficiency.

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“The opening of the LSSSC San Bernardino Community Wellness Campus represents more than a new facility; it reflects our unwavering commitment to progress and opportunity for the communities we serve. As Frederick Douglass reminded us, ‘If there is no struggle, there is no progress,’ and we see that truth lived out every day in the resilience of this community. This campus stands as a testament to that determination and to what is possible when people come together with purpose, passion, and vision.” said Donald Smith, San Bernardino Community Wellness Center Executive Director.

The brand-new modular style units provide housing for up to six months while clients transition to permanent supportive housing while the onsite 70-bed facility operates as emergency shelter.

Referrals are now being accepted for services by calling 909-381-6921 or by email SBCWCreferrals@lsssc.org. For more information about Lutheran Social Services of Southern California and the San Bernardino Community Wellness Campus, visit www.lsssc.org or call 877-577-7267.

Partners and funders of the San Bernardino Community Wellness Center include the City of San Bernardino, the County of San Bernardino, Dignity Moves, Tovey Schultz, and TR Designs’ architects. Additional partners include the San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health, IUS Department of Education, Housing, and Urban Development and Health and Human Services.

Donald Smith added, “We hold close the promise of Scripture in Galatians 6:9: ‘Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.’ This campus stands as a testament to perseverance, faith, and to what is possible when people come together with purpose, passion, and vision.”

About Lutheran Social Services of Southern California

Lutheran Social Services of Southern California (LSSSC) is a nonprofit serving six Southern California counties including Ventura, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange, and San Diego, with homeless services, mental health services, supporting victims of violence, feeding the hungry, connecting with seniors, and mentoring youth.

Demonstrating an unwavering commitment to helping the most vulnerable families and individuals in Southern California for more than 80 years, LSSSC is a social ministry organization with Lutheran Services of America, one of the largest health and human service networks in the country. LSSSC dates back to 1944 when a handful of congregants from Lutheran churches in San Diego began providing services and resources to veterans returning home from the war. This group joined with like-minded congregants in Los Angeles and formed Lutheran Social Services in 1946. Today, LSSSC employs close to 200 caring and dedicated staff delivering more than 30 programs across six counties that embrace, equip, and empower vulnerable individuals in Southern California.

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