SAN FRANCISCO - NAVIGATION CENTER

THE ASK

The City and County of San Francisco needed to respond to the Mission neighbourhood’s public health crisis?arising from its drastic increase in homeless tent encampments. The new Division Circle Navigation?Center would serve those unable to access social services at traditional shelters such?as safe sleeping quarters, case management, basic health care and drug treatment programs. The?Mission area needed a secure refuge for San Franciscans experiencing long-term homelessness. The?Division Circle facility would provide lasting social service, housing connections, and a?continuum of services aimed at reducing and preventing homelessness.

HOW SPRUNG DELIVERED

The Division Circle Navigation Center, dedicated to the memory of Brian Quinn and funded by the SF?Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing, proudly provides 126 beds and extensive support?services to its clients. St. Vincent de Paul operates the center, which opened in June 2018. In?its first month of operation, the Division Circle Navigation Center provided support services to?over 200 individuals. The Center’s services include case management, medical care, mental health?and substance abuse screening, access to effective treatment, public benefits, employment?resources, and most importantly, assistance finding suitable and available housing.

Situated perpendicularly one to the other, the placement of the two structures creates a community?courtyard which includes a garden, an active outdoor area, and an off-leash dog run. The circular site?provides privacy and security. Vehicle parking, bike storage and pedestrian entry to the site are consolidated into one loading?zone. The dormitory fills the larger 150’ structure and serves as many clients as possible while?maintaining their privacy. Adjacent to the dormitory, the 75’ structure houses staff offices, pantries, laundry, and a dining and lounge area. Restrooms and showers are in stand-alone units?between the structures.

The Navigation Center model was successful in providing a bridge between homelessness and rehabilitation back into society. Navigation centers modelled on the ones created in San Francisco have been created or considered in cities including Chicago, Los Angeles, Sacramento, Houston, and Seattle. Some cities use the name "navigation center" but do not match all of San Francisco's criteria.