County supports regional homeless navigation center in San Bernardino

The San Bernardino County Community Development and Housing Department received approval to conditionally commit up to $11 million toward development of the city of San Bernardino’s Homeless Outreach Prevention and Education Campus, a regional navigation center that will provide interim housing and supportive services for individuals experiencing homelessness.

The approximately $36.2 million project will redevelop the former School of Hope at 796 E. Sixth St. into a low-barrier navigation center with 200 interim housing beds, including 180 congregate and 20 non-congregate beds. Up to 70 beds may be used for recuperative care based on participant needs. The campus will also provide medical and employment services, behavioral health connections, case management, assistance accessing public benefits and income support, and permanent housing placement services.

The county’s funding commitment is conditional and limited to eligible capital development costs. Before the funding receives final approval, Community Development and Housing will complete additional financial, legal, operational and project-readiness reviews and negotiate agreements with the city addressing regional access, county referrals and other requirements.