San Francisco, CA — Mayor London N. Breed and Supervisor Matt Haney today announced an update on the proposed SAFE Navigation Center at Seawall Lot 330 on the Embarcadero, which will serve 200 clients as part of Mayor Breed’s plan to open 1,000 new shelter beds by the end of 2020.

Mayor Breed and Supervisor Haney crafted the updated proposal following weeks of community outreach and conversations with stakeholders. It includes starting the number of clients that the Navigation Center will serve when it opens at 130 individuals, which mirrors other existing Navigation Centers. After opening, the SAFE Navigation Center will have ramp-up to add an additional 70 beds over a six-month period to reach 200 beds. Additionally, the area surrounding the Navigation Center will receive an increased presence of beat officers. The lease for the SAFE Navigation Center will be for an initial two years, after which the Port Commission will have the option to extend the lease for an additional two-years.

“We are focused on addressing our homelessness crisis and helping our unhoused residents get the care and shelter they need while also doing our best to address some of the concerns that we have heard from neighbors,” said Mayor Breed. “Over the last month, we had heard ideas and feedback from residents and people who live in the area, whether they support the idea or oppose it, and we have incorporated some of those ideas so we can move forward with this SAFE Navigation Center on the Seawall Lot. We know that these Centers have been successful in other neighborhoods and in helping people to exit homelessness, and I believe this Center will help us continue to address the challenges of people living on our streets.”  

Since Mayor Breed announced the proposed SAFE Navigation Center on March 4^th, the City has held more than a dozen meetings with community groups and residents to detail the need for the SAFE Navigation Center and how the center would work, as well as solicit feedback. The proposal unveiled today incorporates elements of that feedback, including the six-month ramp-up period and the expanded beat officer presence, which will be in effect seven days a week. Additionally, the proposed lease for the SAFE Navigation Center will be for two years, after which the Port Commission will have the option to extend the lease for an additional two-years.

“Navigation Centers work because when done right and run well, they result in positive outcomes for both the people they serve, and for the neighborhoods where they are located,” said Supervisor Matt Haney. “The Mayor’s Office and Department of Homelessness have committed to me and to the community that this Center will be well-run and safe, and be a true “navigation” center, which effectively transitions people from homelessness into services and housing. These changes reflect that commitment, and they come as a result of dozens of community meetings and collaboration with neighborhood leaders and service providers.”

“The Embarcadero SAFE Navigation Center will be a key tool to bring more of those suffering on our streets indoors, and to ultimately help them end their homelessness,” said Jeff Kositsky, Director of the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing. “We appreciate the leadership of Mayor Breed and Supervisor Haney to come together with community and people experiencing homelessness to learn, understand concerns, and take steps to address them.”

The Port Commission is scheduled to vote on the proposal at their April 23^rd meeting.

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