ABOUT US
The Pathfinders for Hope mission began in 2019 when Marco Cardenas, whose lived experience in San Antonio led to the creation of our stability framework.
Meet Marco
founder of Pathfinders for Hope
In 2019, Marco Cardenas was running a successful cleaning business in San Antonio, Texas. Then COVID hit. Clients canceled, the business collapsed, and Marco’s life spiraled. Mental illness and addiction took hold. With no direction, he left Texas and began a long, painful journey across the country Colorado, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Oceanside, and eventually San Diego. He was homeless the entire time.
Stuck in San Diego after totaling his car, Marco began asking deeper questions:
He started studying mental health, addiction, and survival systems. He built a step-by-step framework testing each phase on himself. That framework became the foundation of what he now calls the Stability Navigation Program. It worked. He got out.
With help from his mom, Lisa Martinez, Marco took an Amtrak ticket to Fairfield to be closer to family. He bounced between Airbnbs until he found work in Vallejo. But after six months, the job ended. The addiction returned. He isolated no direction, no purpose, barely any contact with the outside world.
Then came the moment that changed everything
At Wilson Park, Marco watched police and dump trucks sweep through the encampment. Tents, belongings, even RVs towed and trashed. He saw it happen with his own eyes. And he felt it in his bones. Because it had happened to him too.
That day he made a decision
Pathfinders for Hope is not a drop-in center
It’s a trauma-informed, dignity-forward system designed by someone who lived it. We don’t just hand out supplies we walk with people as they:
Build independence
through personalized goal-setting and accountability
Navigate Complex Systems
like housing, benefits, & documentation
Reclaim diginity
through consistent, nonjudgemental support
Exit homelessness
permanently with no need to look back
Pathfinders for Hope isn't just a life line It’s a second chance, designed for real-world impact. And it’s working.
In Vallejo, Pathfinders for Hope has redefined what outreach can be. We’ve replaced transactional aid with transformation logic. Every workflow, message, and service is engineered for emotional safety and operational clarity. We don’t just meet people where they are, we build systems that help them move forward.
Our Mission: Transforming Lives, Ending Homelessness
At Pathfinders For Hope, we believe that no one should have to navigate homelessness alone. As a homelessness nonprofit organization, we provide immediate relief and long-term ending homelessness solutions designed to foster stability, dignity, and self-sufficiency.
Our mission is simple yet profound: to connect individuals experiencing homelessness with the support, resources, and pathways to self-sufficiency they need to rebuild their lives. Through innovative homeless solutions,
we not only address urgent needs but also work toward breaking the cycle of homelessness for good. Pathfinders for Hope was founded on the belief that everyone deserves a clear path to a better future. Our team works tirelessly in Vallejo and throughout Solano County to provide compassionate guidance and practical resources for those transitioning away from the streets. We are dedicated to building a stronger community by empowering our neighbors with the tools, confidence, and housing support they need to achieve lasting independence and dignity.
This is the heart of the Pathfinders for Hope mission
I know firsthand the challenges of homelessness. I’ve walked the same streets, faced the same uncertainty, and felt the deep isolation that comes with being unseen. My personal journey inspired me to create the Pathfinders for Hope mission, an organization that goes beyond temporary aid to provide real, lasting change.
By combining community support for homelessness with structured programs, we ensure that individuals and families receive more than just a shelter—they gain access to comprehensive services that empower them to thrive.
Our Pathfinders for Hope Mission: Hope in Action
We take a holistic approach to homelessness, addressing not just the immediate need for shelter but also the long-term factors that contribute to housing instability.
Our programs include:
- Emergency and Transitional Housing – Safe, temporary shelter solutions that serve as a stepping stone to permanent housing.
- Employment and Job Training – Helping individuals build skills and gain employment for long-term stability.
- Mental and Physical Health Services – Connecting individuals to vital healthcare resources.
- Community Partnerships – Collaborating with local organizations to create innovative homeless solutions that truly make a difference.
Our Pathfinders for Hope Mission: Hope in Action
Our team is fully committed to the Pathfinders for Hope mission and its long-term goals.
We invite you to learn more about how the Pathfinders for Hope mission is changing lives every day.
Join Us – Be the Change
At Pathfinders For Hope, we know that real transformation happens when communities come together. Whether you’re looking to volunteer, donate, or partner with us, your support helps us expand our impact and bring hope for the homeless to more people in need.
Together, we can build a world where no one is left behind—where everyone has the chance to reclaim their dignity, rebuild their future, and find a place to call home.
What resources are available for people experiencing homelessness in Vallejo?
Residents can access immediate support by calling 2-1-1 or contacting Resource Connect Solano at (707) 652-7311, which serves as the central entry point for all housing services in the area. Key local resources include the 125-bed Vallejo Navigation Center, the Solano Dream Center for emergency food and shelter, and the Stability Navigation Program at Pathfinders for Hope, which specializes in helping individuals become "document ready" for permanent housing.
How many shelter beds are available at the Vallejo Navigation Center?
The Vallejo Navigation Center at 1937 Broadway Street provides 125 beds and operates as a "one-stop-shop" for unhoused individuals. Guests can stay for up to six months while receiving case management, medical care, and job training to secure permanent housing.
What is the Stability Navigation Program in Vallejo?
The Stability Navigation Program is a signature initiative by Pathfinders for Hope designed to bridge the gap between street homelessness and long-term stability. The program focuses on "document readiness," mindset shifts, and building essential life skills to ensure successful housing placement and employment.
Learn more about our mission on the About Us page.
Local Resources: City of Vallejo Housing | Resource Connect Solano