HomeMy WebLinkAboutDirection to Assess Enhanced Navigation Center Services that APPievvCD (0- /
City of Huntington Beach
File #: 21-704 MEETING DATE: 9/21/2021
Submitted by Councilmember Moser - Direction to Assess Enhanced Navigation Center
Services that can be deployed and which will connect to our Project Zero Initiative
I recommend the City Council direct staff to engage an assessment of the current operations of the
Navigation Center. and that staff return to the City Council with an update of improvements that can
be made which link to our Project Zero efforts.
City of Huntington Beach Page 1 of 1 Printed on 911512021
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CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH
CITY COUNCIL MEETING — COUNCIL MEMBER ITEMS REPORT
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
FROM: NATALIE MOSER, CITY COUNCIL MEMBER
DATE: SEPTEMBER 21, 2021
SUBJECT: DIRECTION TO ASSESS ENHANCED NAVIGATION CENTER SERVICES THAT CAN BE
DEPLOYED AND WHICH WILL CONNECT TO OUR PROJECT ZERO INITIATIVE
The City began operating our Navigation Center in December 2020, and to date, this initial effort
to provide sheltering services has been a success. Given that we have the facility running,
Huntington Beach is now able to provide those most in need with shelter services. And
importantly, with the Navigation Center operational, the City has the ability to enforce our quality
of life regulations. These dual benefits have meant that the City can provide assistance to those
most in need, while also being able to reclaim public spaces for everyone to use.
However, as much as our initial efforts have helped to improve the overall homelessness
situation in Huntington Beach, I have observed operational improvements for the Navigation
Center that can and should be made. More than just being a place for those who are unhoused,
the shelter should be a place where individuals can heal on their journey to finding more
permanent housing solutions.
In particular, I would like the City Council to support directing an assessment of the current
operations at the Navigation Center, to identify ways we can improve in the following areas:
1. Provide more regular screenings for mental health and substance abuse treatment needs
2. Increase the availability of medical providers on site
3. Identify avenues through which Mercy House Housing Navigators can increase
discussions with homeless clients regarding life skills / housing skills
4. Find ways to more frequently bring outside organizations to provide job training and
linkages to vital benefits related to medical, food, and disability services
If approved, these efforts would integrate with our ongoing Project Zero efforts, which seek to
achieve our aspirational goal of ending homelessness in Huntington Beach.
RECOMMENDED ACTION
I recommend the City Council direct staff to engage an assessment of the current operations of
the Navigation Center, and that staff return to the City Council with an update of improvements
that can be made which link to our Project Zero efforts.
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