Ongoing Preparation to Open the Navigation Center

The City and Mercy House are continuing to prepare the Navigation Center site for our first homeless clients.  The City is putting the final touches on a few remaining construction elements, including a perimeter wall and fence, parking lot striping, and installation of one final restroom and shower trailer.  The City expects to wrap up all work and formally turn over the site to Mercy House this week.

Mercy House continues to work onsite, receiving and installing furniture and equipment for our homeless clients.  The beds are being installed today, and the large trailers are being configured for office, dining, and laundry uses.  The Navigation Center is on track to be fully operational this week.  However, Mercy House is continuing to work with Spectrum to establish internet service, which has faced delays.  Once this issue is resolved, the Navigation Center will open its doors to the homeless. 

Lastly, the Huntington Beach Police Department and Homeless Task Force have prepared a comprehensive plan to initiate both their outreach and enforcement activities, as soon as the Navigation Center becomes operational.  They are also working hand-in-hand with Mercy House to coordinate their efforts and create a seamless process to refer and intake clients into the Center.

Timothy Huynh (far left) of Mercy House provides a tour of the new Navigation Center to Council Member Patrick Brenden, Council Member-Elect Natalie Moser, City Manager Oliver Chi, and Council Member-Elect Tito Ortiz.