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August 2023

The City of Oceanside officially cut the ribbon on its new Navigation Center July 21 in preparation for accepting clients in the next few days. This modernized facility, located at 3131 Oceanside Boulevard, is committed to providing safe shelter with vital services and case management focused on moving people experiencing homelessness toward permanent housing.

The Navigation Center project has been a significant undertaking, made possible through the collaborative efforts of dedicated community partners, and federal, county, and city governments. The facility opening marks an important milestone in our collective commitment to address homelessness in Oceanside through a variety of efforts.

City leaders were joined by federal, state, and county representatives, along with Oceanside staff and partners to officially cut the ribbon on the facility. Pictured above (left to right) are Oceanside Management Analyst Sal Roman, City Manager Jonathan Borrego, San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond, State Assembly Member Laurie Davies, former Oceanside City Council Member Kori Jensen, Mayor Esther Sanchez, Congressman Mike Levin, San Diego Rescue Mission President Donnie Dee, and Oceanside Housing & Neighborhood Services Director Leilani Hines.

The City purchased the property, a former school, and has invested in major renovations and upgrades, including new sewer lines, HVAC system, roof, fire sprinkler system, new windows, showers, kitchen, furniture, ADA improvements, and landscaping. The project was helped along by a generous award of $3.3M from the County of San Diego and $2.25M in federal funding secured by Congressman Mike Levin. 

The Oceanside Navigation Center will provide a comprehensive range of services to aid those experiencing homelessness find permanent homes, promote health, and rebuild their lives. The facility will use a person-centered, trauma-informed care model.

The City entered into a three-year contract with the San Diego Rescue Mission (SDRM) to operate the Navigation Center. SDRM has been serving the region for nearly 70 years.

“Fighting homelessness requires a holistic approach, and we’re grateful that the City of Oceanside selected us to operate this facility," said Donnie Dee, San Diego Rescue Mission President and CEO. "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. 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 will accept people by referral only through the City’s Homeless Outreach Teams, Housing Department Social Workers, and the San Diego Rescue Mission. Walk-in services will not be accommodated. The facility will include 24-hour staffing, security, and daytime activities. The Oceanside Navigation Center is set to open in a few days pending the completion of some final construction punchlist items.

To learn more about the services available to homeless individuals in Oceanside, many of which are supported by Measure X, please visit the City website.