The Navigation Center is a short-term interim housing program designed to act as a safety net for individuals:
- Who are experiencing homelessness and have been unsheltered (living outdoors, in vehicles or other places not meant for human habitation)
- Who are at imminent risk of being unsheltered.
The Navigation Center will serve adults, including single adults and couples. This low-barrier shelter program serves people who have various challenges with maintaining housing:
- Little to no income
- Previous eviction
- Alcohol or substance use issues
- Mental and physical health challenges
The Navigation Center is key in the County’s goal of providing every unsheltered homeless person who chooses assistance with interim or permanent housing.
How many people will stay at the Navigation Center?
Total capacity is 260 residents in a total of 240 units. Of those units:
- 168 units are 200 square feet and include an in-unit bathroom.
- 72 units are 100 square feet with access to community bathrooms.
How can someone experiencing homelessness access shelter at the Navigation Center?
Referrals are made through the Coordinated Entry System, which is accessed at any of the eight Core Service Agencies located throughout the County. (Core Service Agencies are nonprofit organizations under contract, located geographically across the county.)
For individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness who may have challenges connecting with a Core Service Agency, homeless outreach case managers can meet with them in the community and help them connect to the Coordinated Entry System.
What types of services will be provided?
- Health and dental care
- Substance Use disorders outpatient services
- Primary care and psychiatric services
- Access to housing, benefits and vocational specialists
- Evening workshops and support groups
Case management services (an advocate who supports and guides clients) will be available during daytime hours Monday through Friday as well as evenings and weekends so clients who have daytime commitments (jobs or otherwise) may receive services.
What is the policy regarding substance use (alcohol, other drugs)?
Use of or possession of drugs and alcohol are not allowed on site.
As part of the harm reduction and housing first models and in order to serve people experiencing homelessness, including those who have challenges with substance use, if a client is using substances but does not pose a safety risk to themselves or others in the program, they can stay in the program and will be offered substance abuse services.
The program case manager will work with individuals who have significant substance use issues to strongly encourage them to participate in substance use treatment services.
Is there a maximum length of stay?
No, there is not a specific maximum length of stay, however this is a time-limited program so clients are expected to be working on their housing plan from the beginning of their stay.