Committee approves forwarding $15M increase for Bayshore Navigation Center operations

The Homelessness and Behavioral Health Select Committee voted Sept. 8 to forward to the full Board a resolution to extend and increase HSH’s grant with 5 Keys Schools & Programs for operations at the Bayshore Navigation Center.

The proposed second amendment would extend the contract through June 30, 2026, and increase the not-to-exceed amount by about $15.2 million for a total near $25.1 million. HSH Deputy Director Emily Cohen said the Bayshore site at 125 Bayshore Boulevard has capacity for 128 beds, reported occupancy of about 95 percent as of Aug. 30, and provides low-barrier services including case management, wellness checks, meals, laundry and on-site operations. Cohen cited a cost-per-bed-night for the site of roughly $100 in the agreement’s accounting and about $125 per night when including other program costs not captured in this contract.

BLA analyst Nick Menard reported the amendment raises the annual budget modestly (about a 4.8 percent increase) and attributed increases primarily to staff compensation changes; BLA recommended approval. Megan Fallon, a 5 Keys director, offered public comment emphasizing the center’s art program and community benefits. A separate public commenter described personal housing challenges and requested assistance; committee members acknowledged public testimony. The committee forwarded the amendment with a positive recommendation to the Board; the Board will consider the item Sept. 12.