San Bernardino County officials celebrated the opening of Phase II of the Highland Creek Housing & Wellness Campus on Monday, marking an expansion of housing, treatment and recovery services for people experiencing homelessness or at risk of losing their housing.
The $75 million project, formerly known as Pacific Village at 2626 Pacific St. in San Bernardino, is a partnership among several county departments and other public and private entities. The campus is designed to serve older adults, people with disabilities and individuals experiencing substance use challenges, officials said.
Phase II includes a 16-bed substance use disorder facility, a 32-bed recuperative care center for people recovering from hospitalization or illness, and 58 permanent supportive housing units. The expansion also includes community spaces, healing gardens, a dog run and outdoor gathering areas.
Board of Supervisors Vice Chair Joe Baca Jr., who represents the county’s 5th District, said the expansion would provide long-term benefits to the community.
“The expansion of Highland Creek is an investment in our community that will have a lasting impact for generations to come,” Baca said. “It will create opportunities, improve well-being and help ensure that individuals and families have the support they need to thrive. I’m proud to be a part of making this project a reality. Ultimately, it’s about the people who come after us and the legacy we leave for them.”
Other officials attending Monday’s ribbon-cutting ceremony included county Chief Executive Officer Luther Snoke; Assemblyman James Ramos, D-Highland; San Bernardino Mayor Helen Tran; Joseph “Joe” Maarango, Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation culture seat member; county Assistant Executive Officer Trevor Leja; and Zion Smith, a unit manager with the California Department of Social Services.
The campus is the domain of the county departments of Behavioral Health, Aging and Adult Services, Community Development and Housing, and Project and Facilities Management.
In addition to housing and health care, Highland Creek will connect residents with resources such as job training and educational opportunities. The county aims to coordinate those services on one campus to address overlapping challenges that can lead to homelessness.
Snoke credited the Board of Supervisors, county departments, state and federal partners, Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation, Inland Empire Health Plan and service providers for helping complete the expansion.
“This milestone belongs to everyone who helped bring the campus to life and to the residents who will be supported at this facility,” Snoke said.
The project is funded through a combination of state grants, private contributions and money from the American Rescue Plan Act, the federal pandemic relief law.
Phase III is the next stage of the campus expansion. County officials said additional details would be released as the project progresses.
Additional information and photos of the ribbon-cutting event are available on the county’s website.
