BEACH CITIES INTERFAITH SERVICES on Gothard Street in Huntington Beach (BCIS photo).

The Beach Cities Interfaith Services facility to provide services for the homeless got a nine-month breathing space at Monday’s meeting of the Huntington Beach City Council meeting on Monday night.

On the agenda was a proposal to terminate an agreement between the city and BCIS for property at 18131 Gothard St. as of Jan. 8, 2018. During the public comments, numerous supporters of the facility urged that the council not end the lease.

During the discussion on the matter, council members expressed support for the mission of the BCIS, but certain reservations were expressed about keeping the facility in its location on Gothard, some citing concerns and problems which have been reported by neighbors of the center.

After lengthy discussion and several alternate motions, the council finally decided to take no action, which means that the lease will be in place until Oct. 13, 2018. City council members spoke about the need to find another location for BCIS in the city, but no formal action was taken on that point.

BCIS was first established as the Episcopal Service Alliance in 1987. Previously based at the Main Street library site, BCIS provides services which include monthly groceries, utility payment assistance, hygiene items, gas cards, clothing and other assistance, according to the organization’s website.