The Sacramento City Council on Sept. 12 unanimously voted to continue funding the operation of the North 5th Navigation Center, which offers year-round support to people experiencing homelessness.
The City Council approved a $3.4 million contract with Shelter Inc. to continue operating the North 5th Navigation Center (700 North Fifth St.) through August 2024.
This contract is being paid through Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention Program (HHAP) funding from the State of California.
“The North 5th Navigation Center plays an important role in the City’s comprehensive response to the homelessness crisis,” said Tim Swanson, communications manager for the City. “Shelters such as this one can help to stabilize individuals and assist in their journey toward more permanent housing.”
The North Fifth Navigation Center can offer up to 163 beds for adult men and women. Guests also receive meals and essential supportive services. The shelter can accommodate up to 25 pets nightly in accordance with animal care policies.
The lobby of the North 5th also has been used as a short-term respite space for unsheltered residents during inclement weather, accommodating up to 20 guests.
With its navigation centers, Safe Ground sites, motel program, sleeping cabins and other offerings, the City currently operates approximately 1,200 emergency beds each night to support people experiencing homelessness.
Following Council direction, City staff have been working urgently and diligently to identify additional Safe Ground sites, Swanson said.
The City also recently established a new “Incident Management Team” (IMT) to ensure that all available resources are being utilized and leveraged in the best manner possible for response to the homelessness crisis.