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Upland council backs West End Navigation Center MOU, agrees to annual share of operating costs
Summary
The Upland City Council voted unanimously Oct. 27 to join a regional Memorandum of Understanding for a West End Navigation Center that will offer 200 beds, a sobering center and coordinated county services; the city’s estimated share is about $250,000 per year.
The Upland City Council voted unanimously Oct. 27 to join a regional Memorandum of Understanding establishing the West End Navigation Center, a county-led facility designed to provide coordinated shelter and services for people experiencing homelessness.
Police Chief Marcelo Blanco presented the item, describing the center as a “shared infrastructure investment” that will offer 200 beds — “100 emergency shelter beds and 100 recuperative care beds” — and a sobering center. Blanco said the center will accept clients by referral only from participating agencies and will bring together county services including behavioral health, substance-use services, public health, workforce development and the county office of homeless services.
Blanco told the council the county is providing an initial acquisition and improvement investment of $20,000,000 and an operating reserve of $5,000,000 to stabilize startup operations. He said the city’s ongoing cost is “about $250,000 per year,” a figure derived from a formula based on city population and results of the annual point-in-time homeless count; the share will be reevaluated each year as counts change. The chief said the regional approach will also help cities and the county pursue grants to reduce participating cities’ costs.
Councilmember Shannon asked about the project timeline: “Would you say it's realistic that the navigation center would be complete by the 2026 or more realistic for 2027?” Police Chief Marcelo Blanco replied, “I would push with what you're saying more 2027 when we'll be up and running and fully operational,” and added that Fontana — the jurisdiction leading the site development — is aiming for an earlier target but that date is “very lofty.”
Council members discussed coordination with neighboring cities. Blanco said the program is intended to limit the repeated shuffling of people between jurisdictions by tracking and managing placements. He noted that Ontario plans to build its own facility and currently will participate in the MOU on a limited basis until that center opens.
The motion to approve the MOU was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Rudy Zuniga and seconded by Councilman Brightland. The council voted unanimously to approve the agreement.
The council’s action authorizes Upland to participate in a county-led navigation center under the MOU; it does not create a new city-run shelter. Details on specific intergovernmental responsibilities, contract terms, property acquisition, and a final annual budget allocation will be determined through the MOU and subsequent implementing agreements and grants.
The council adjourned and will meet next on Nov. 10.
