The family of the man who was hit by a utility truck in San Luis Obispo last month says he has moved into a Santa Barbara recovery center.

Jeffrey Mitchell, 20, of San Luis Obispo, was on his way home from Cuesta College when he was struck while crossing Tank Farm Road near Brookpine Drive on Jan. 25.

He was first taken to Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center in San Luis Obispo and then transferred to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital. His family traveled to Santa Barbara to be with him. He suffered broken bones in his right leg, arm, wrist and pelvis; he also suffered an injured lung, his mother Tara Mitchell said.

An update from the San Luis Obispo Police Department on the incident or the subsequent investigation wasn't immediately available.

On Tuesday, Tara Mitchell told The Tribune that at least one family member has stayed at Jeffrey's side. She keeps him company along with his father, Gregory, and sister Ashley.

Although he wasn’t up to an interview just yet, she said he’s thankful that people are rooting for him.

“Jeffery is trying to get stronger every day,” she said from his recovery room, noting that he’s in a lot of pain. “I know he appreciates everyone’s prayers.”

Last week, he was moved to Cottage Rehabilitation Hospital, also in Santa Barbara. His mother says the family doesn’t yet know how long his recovery might take there.

And, since they don’t have relatives nearby, the Mitchells say they need help in covering expenses such as food, gas to and from San Luis Obispo, and the occasional motel room for a bed and shower away from home.

The family has a donation account set up in Jeffrey Mitchell’s name at Coast National Bank to help offset their expenses. The account is set up at the bank’s 500 Marsh St. location, but donations are accepted at any branch.