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Council extends New Hope temporary shelter operator contract, keeps 50 beds
Summary
The council authorized a one‑year extension with Mercy House Living Centers for operation of the New Hope temporary shelter and voted to keep a 50‑bed capacity after staff explained the limited cost difference between a reduced‑bed and status‑quo staffing model.
The Bellflower City Council on Sept. 22 authorized a one‑year extension of the city’s agreement with Mercy House Living Centers to operate the New Hope temporary shelter and voted to retain a 50‑bed capacity.
Staff presented two proposals from Mercy House: a status‑quo proposal maintaining the existing program level (50 beds) with a proposed contract cost above $2.2 million, and a scaled‑back option reducing capacity to 35 beds with costs just under $2.1 million. Staff explained the majority of the expense is personnel and that reducing beds by 30% produced a relatively small reduction in total contract cost — roughly $11,000 per month — because staffing requirements remain substantially similar.
Wong Sue (staff member) and Timothy (Mercy House representative) told the council that shelter occupancy had increased recently. Staff reported that average occupancy had been roughly 31–33 people before the Aug. 25 council meeting and rose to 42 on the morning of Sept. 22. Council members asked whether overflow from a 35‑bed cap would displace people into other jurisdictions or public spaces; staff said overflow would likely remain in the local area, creating public‑space and humanitarian concerns.
Mercy House’s staffing chart showed that reducing capacity to 35 beds would eliminate one navigator/case‑manager position but produce only modest supply and food savings. Staff said case managers (navigators) are integral to connecting shelter participants to housing and services and that the typical caseload per navigator is about 20–25 clients. Council members expressed support for maintaining sufficient navigation capacity to help participants find permanent housing.
Council member Sanchez moved to authorize Amendment No. 6 to Agreement File No. 853 to extend Mercy House’s term and maintain 50 beds; Mayor Pro Tem Sonny Santinez seconded. The roll call vote was unanimous among voting members present (Santinez, Morse, Sanchez, Mayor Dutton). Council member Coops recused himself from the item because of a property conflict and left the room before the vote.
Staff noted the contract includes termination language and that the city would continue to monitor shelter occupancy, program outcomes and costs. The council asked staff to return with any recommended changes if operating conditions materially change.
