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Members of the Board of Supervisors during their regular meeting at the County Government Center in San Bernardino on March 10.

County advances regional navigation center project to address homelessness

San Bernardino County has finalized the purchase of a property from the city of Fontana to establish a regional navigation center that will provide 100 shelter beds and 100 recuperative care beds along with supportive services to help the unhoused community transition to permanent housing.

Today, the Board of Supervisors approved the property purchase and an agreement with partner cities that establishes a framework for operating the facility, including funding contributions toward ongoing operations. This action marks a major milestone in advancing a coordinated regional approach to addressing homelessness in western San Bernardino County.

“The board’s action on this agenda item moves us closer to opening a navigation center that will provide critical support for people experiencing homelessness,” said Board of Supervisors Chairman and Third District Supervisor Dawn Rowe. “It will connect individuals to the resources they need to gain stability and thrive.”

The navigation center will serve people experiencing homelessness in the areas represented by Vice Chair and Fifth District Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr., Second District Supervisor Jesse Armendarez and Fourth District Supervisor Curt Hagman.

“The West End Regional Navigation Center reflects our commitment to expanding services and creating real pathways to stable housing,” said Baca, Jr. “By aligning our resources and efforts, we’ll be able to deliver a stronger and more comprehensive response that will ensure people experiencing homelessness get the care and support they need.”

“This critical project will make a meaningful difference for people experiencing homelessness in western San Bernardino County,” said Armendarez. “We are proud to advance this work with our partner cities and look forward to the navigation center’s immense impact in our community.” 

“I’m pleased we’re moving forward with this vital project to provide essential services to those in need,” said Hagman. “This represents a pivotal moment in our ongoing efforts to help individuals and families gain stability and secure permanent housing.” 

Fontana Mayor Acquanetta Warren said the property transfer reflects the city’s commitment to partnering with the county to expand housing solutions for people experiencing homelessness.

“This partnership shows what’s possible when local governments work together toward a shared goal,” said Warren. “It advances our regional efforts to expand housing support and enhance coordination in addressing homelessness.”

The cities of Chino, Fontana, Montclair, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, Rialto and Upland will contribute to startup costs and annual operating expenses, and the county will leverage federal and state funding to reimburse the cost of services.

The site will operate as a low-barrier shelter and serve individuals on a referral-only basis through the county’s coordinated entry system. In addition to temporary shelter, the navigation center will offer behavioral health services, medical care, case management, transportation assistance and housing placement.

The project originated from discussions that occurred during the San Bernardino County Homeless Ad Hoc Committee meetings, which were co-chaired by Baca, Jr. and Hagman, where leaders identified the need for a shared strategy to reduce unsheltered homelessness. As discussions continued, leaders determined that the most effective approach was for all municipalities to work together to create a regional navigation center. Through this partnership, the county and cities will reduce costs, leverage existing resources and strengthen regional collaboration.

The county is in the final stages of selecting an operator to manage and staff the facility. Once an operator is on board, the next phase will focus on completing the necessary tenant improvements. The regional navigation center, located at 11109 Jasmine St. in Fontana, is anticipated to begin serving the community in early 2027.