Council expands motel voucher and rapid‑rehousing support while work continues on navigation center plans

The San Bernardino City Council unanimously approved continued funding for motel voucher and rapid‑rehousing programs intended to move people off streets into temporary shelter while longer‑term navigation centers and permanent supportive housing are developed.

Multiple public commenters called for more permanent shelter and faster use of city land and vacant buildings. Speakers described motel vouchers as a short‑term fix and urged the council to accelerate construction of navigation centers and permanent housing projects. One commenter asked for a public accounting of how much the city has spent on motel vouchers to date.

Staff and councilmembers said the motel voucher program is designed to provide immediate stabilization for people who accept services; staff reported the city had expended about 13% of a $2.7 million allocation for hotel vouchers so far and said voucher stays can extend beyond two weeks for participants who are actively working with service providers. Council members said the motel program operates alongside efforts to develop navigation centers and permanent supportive housing, and noted the city has made other investments—including a property purchase and navigation center planning—to create long‑term capacity.

Chiefs from city departments described the motel stabilization model as a pathway to help people accept services and progress toward housing, but reiterated that individuals must accept services voluntarily. Councilmember Ortiz and others asked whether interim options might be expanded; staff said the city is also pursuing CDBG funding and nonprofit partnerships to provide wraparound services for voucher clients.

Council moved and approved the funding action by unanimous vote. Staff said they will continue to manage voucher use and report back on program outcomes as development of navigation centers and supportive housing proceeds.