CEREMONIAL groundbreaking for the new homeless shelter in Huntington Beach by city officials and others (City of Huntington Beach photo).

On Thursday, the City of Huntington Beach hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for the establishment of a Navigation Center for the unsheltered on two adjacent parcels at 17631 Cameron Lane and 17642 Beach Blvd.

The Navigation Center is being developed in partnership with the County of Orange and will provide temporary shelter and comprehensive support services for 174 homeless adults living in Huntington Beach. Following its completion in November 2020, the City will take ownership of the Center and contract with experienced shelter operator, Mercy House, to provide day to day on-site management.

At the groundbreaking, Mayor Lyn Semeta applauded the efforts of the City and County for their dedication to moving forward with this ambitious and much needed development. “The groundbreaking of our Navigation Center symbolizes a major step forward in the City’s ongoing efforts to alleviate homelessness in Huntington Beach,” said Semeta. “It demonstrates the City’s sincere commitment to support the most vulnerable members of our community by providing individuals with a safe space to regain their footing on the path towards housing security. The Center will provide a secure place to sleep, as an alternative to camping in parks and open spaces.”

Starting in April 2020, the City and County began developing a partnership to fund, design, and construct a Navigation Center for Huntington Beach’s unsheltered individuals. Initially, the project was intended to address COVID-19 related impacts; however, as the situation evolved, the initiative was expanded to address broader homeless related issues.

The Navigation Center will be operated by Mercy House and is intended to provide comprehensive support services for homeless individuals in Huntington Beach, including vocational training, mental health treatment, and transportation to necessary appointments.

To enhance the safety of the surrounding neighborhood and prevent loitering off site, walk-ins will not be accepted, and all clients must be referred to the Center by the City’s homeless outreach partners.

The Navigation Center will also provide 24/7 onsite security. Lastly, access to the shelter will only be available off of Beach Boulevard, to limit impacts to the neighborhood along Cameron Lane.

The Navigation Center will be comprised of a 60’x194’ expanded tent structure manufactured by Sprung Structures. The site will also include various trailers to provide an administrative office, a dining room and common area, and laundry facilities. Additional trailers built specifically for restrooms and showers will also be installed.

The Navigation Center will be comprised of a 60’x194’ expanded tent structure manufactured by Sprung Structures. The site will also include various trailers to provide an administrative office, a dining room and common area, and laundry facilities. Additional trailers built specifically for restrooms and showers will also be installed.