The City of Oceanside is taking a huge step towards addressing homelessness with the opening of its very first year-round 50-bed homeless shelter, named the Oceanside Navigation Center, according to an City of Oceanside's news release. Opening today, the facility aims to provide support services, case management, and much-needed resources to help individuals transition into stable, permanent living situations.
Mayor Esther Sanchez emphasized that the Navigation Center's goal is not just to provide shelter for the night, but to equip residents with the necessary tools to break the cycle of homelessness. Investing heavily in renovations and upgrades to the former school property at 3131 Oceanside Blvd., the city's efforts were given a boost with a $3.3 million grant from the County of San Diego and $2.25 million in federal funding secured by Congressman Mike Levin.
The San Diego Rescue Mission (SDRM) has been selected by the city to operate the Navigation Center for an initial three-year contract, according to the same news release. SDRM has nearly seven decades of experience in serving the region, and its partnership with Oceanside's Bread of Life Rescue Mission, which began in 2020, reflects its commitment to expanding their efforts in the North County area.
Donnie Dee, President and CEO of the San Diego Rescue Mission, emphasized their mission to provide holistic support, saying that their aim is "to get people in this community off the streets immediately and help them determine their next step forward to staying off the streets permanently," as described in the NBC San Diego report. The shelter will offer nutritious meals, safe lodging, and access to life-changing resources for those experiencing homelessness, abuse, poverty, or addiction.
The Oceanside Navigation Center will be referral-based, accepting people only through the city's Homeless Outreach Team, Housing Department social workers, and local partners. Walk-in services are not accommodated, but the facility will ensure 24-hour staffing, security, and daytime activities to support its residents.
As stated on the San Diego Rescue Mission's website, the 12,000+ sq. ft facility will offer a wide range of amenities including men's, women's, and family dorms, a dining hall, an outdoor courtyard, personal storage areas, and laundry facilities. In addition, the center will provide day services, such as TVs, computers, and voluntary chapel services, as well as professional case management, a resource center, and a training center. On-site partner offices will also be available, including those for the Oceanside Police Department's Homeless Outreach Team and behavioral health organizations.
With its anticipated opening in the summer of 2023, the Oceanside Navigation Center is poised to make significant strides in alleviating homelessness throughout the city and North County. By providing support services and resources under one roof, they hope to restore the lives of people affected by homelessness and transition them into stable, permanent living situations.
