A groundbreaking was hosted this week at the Madera Rescue Mission for a homelessness triage center. Photo contributed

The Madera Rescue Mission broke ground Monday for its new triage center, aiming to provide service to those living in or transitioning from homelessness.

The triage center will include six pre-made tiny homes on the Madera Rescue Mission’s 7,600 square-foot lot. Each 576 square-foot unit will include two bedrooms, a bathroom, kitchen and seating area.

The units will be available to eligible families and individuals experiencing homelessness.

“The triage center is a vision come true for the Rescue Mission,” said Jesse Chavez, executive director at Madera Rescue Mission. “We are extremely grateful for the support of Madera County and partners. Our mission is to serve the least, the last, and the lost with radical hospitality and MRM will be that one stop shop for those transitioning out of homelessness.”

Since the closure of Madera Community Hospital, the county has seen a dramatic drop in available health care resources, with nearby Valley Children’s Hospital even admitting adult patients in extreme circumstances.

The addition of the triage center will also help to ease some of the potential burden on overcrowding in addition to serving an underserved and vulnerable population.

The triage center will also partner with the Community Action Partnership of Madera County and other county departments to administer rapid rehousing, street outreach and other activities with the goal of transitioning individuals into permanent, affordable housing.

“Our County has a great team of leaders who are dedicated in addressing homelessness,” said Chairman David Rogers. “The quality of life of all residents is important to all of us and we will continue to work towards the prevention of homelessness in our communities. Everyone deserves to live, work and play healthy in Madera County.”

The project will cost approximately $1.22 million, which was awarded from Community Development Block Grant and the American Rescue Plan Act.

Officials hope the center will be completed by summer 2024.