Rep. Mike Levin Celebrates Opening of Local Oceanside Homeless Shelter Built with Federal Funding
Oceanside, CA – Last week, Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49) was proud to attend the ribbon-cutting for a new year-round homeless shelter, the Oceanside Navigation Center, that will offer support services and case management to help individuals transition into more stable housing. Rep. Levin secured $2.25 million in federal funding to develop this homeless shelter at the site of a renovated high school facility.
“Far too many of our neighbors are experiencing homelessness, and it is an issue that requires action from all levels of government. The Oceanside Navigation Center is an incredible example of what can be accomplished when we work together. As we anticipate the grand opening of this facility, I will continue to fight for more federal dollars to combat homelessness in our district, support policies that enable the construction of affordable housing, and expand services for those struggling to transition into stable housing,” said Rep. Levin.
The Oceanside Navigation Center will have 50-beds and provide a secure environment where homeless individuals and families will be able to focus on healing and preparing for self-sufficiency. Participants can be referred directly by organizations like the Oceanside Housing Authority, the Oceanside Homeless Outreach Teams, and the San Diego Rescue Mission.
The City of Oceanside purchased the property, a former school located at 3131 Oceanside Boulevard, and has invested significantly in major renovations and upgrades, including new windows, new HVAC system, new roof, fire sprinkler system, sewer lines, showers, kitchen, furniture, computers, landscaping, and ADA improvements.
"Our goal is not just to provide a bed for the night, but to provide our residents with the tools and resources they need to break the cycle of homelessness," said Oceanside Mayor Esther Sanchez. "By providing a range of services under one roof, we can make a real difference in the lives of Oceansiders who are struggling.”
“Fighting homelessness requires a holistic approach, and we’re grateful that the City of Oceanside selected us to operate this facility. Our goal is to get people in this community off the streets immediately and help them determine their next step forward to staying off the streets permanently,” said Donnie Dee, President and CEO of the San Diego Rescue Mission. “We want to help restore the lives of people experiencing homelessness, abuse, poverty, or addiction as we welcome them through the doors of this new facility and provide nutritious meals, safe shelter and access to life-changing resources.”
The Oceanside Navigation Center’s program will be housing-focused at its core – aiming to help resolve participant homelessness as fast as possible, in addition to supporting basic needs. On-site case management services will include a needs assessment, the development of a housing plan, coordination with county, state, and federal programs, as well as nonprofits and social service agencies, as needed. Help will be accessible with low barriers to entry, intended to prevent obstacles like mountains of paperwork and eligibility requirements from standing in the way of a stable and healthy permanent living situation.