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Buena Creek Navigation Center reports intakes, exits and services; average stays vary by exit type
Summary
Buena Creek Navigation Center reported 19 intakes in July, most referred by the San Diego Rescue Mission, and described on-site case management, job supports, document assistance and partner referrals.
Pete Haggard, program director at the Buena Creek Navigation Center (BCNC), presented July client and exit statistics and summarized on-site services and partner referrals.
Haggard said 19 intakes occurred in July and that nearly all referrals that month came from the San Diego Rescue Mission. He said about 57% of those intakes reported being in places not meant for habitation the night before intake and that many clients had long durations of homelessness (two to 10 years or more).
Services and partners: Haggard described BCNC services including VI-SPDAT housing assessments, cash assistance, housing search help, employment support, assistance obtaining vital documents (DMV, Social Security), bus passes, Chromebooks and referrals to partners such as North County Lighthouse, Bellis Academy (haircuts) and other social-service organizations. He said BCNC provided classes (mental health meetings, NA/AA), recreational programming and items such as Chromebooks and bicycles to assist clients in job searches.
Exits and length of stay: In July BCNC recorded 15 exits; Haggard reported about 67% of those were "positive exits" (move into their own housing, family reunification, rehab or skilled nursing). He said the average stay for clients who achieved a positive exit in July was longer than normal (about 114 days for those who moved to permanent housing in that month) and that screening and client readiness can affect which exits succeed.
Operational notes and challenges: Haggard said placement competition with other shelters and occasional last-minute referrals to other agencies can disrupt planned moves into housing. He also said the center looks closely at whether clients are ready and tries to be discerning when a placement appears likely to fail.
Ending: BCNC will continue to report operational metrics to the committee; staff said permanent housing remains the primary success metric and that they will continue to refine screening and case-management practices to improve permanent-housing outcomes.
