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Council approves operator for youth navigation center, opening expected mid‑May
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Summary
The council awarded a one-year contract (up to $565,020) to Hovanes Inc. to operate a 12‑bed transitional-age youth navigation center; staff said plumbing repairs delayed the opening but the center is on schedule to open in mid-May using state HHAP funds.
The Long Beach City Council on April 14 authorized a one-year contract, not to exceed $565,020, with Hovanes Inc. to provide interim housing operations and support services at a 12-bed transitional-age youth navigation center in Council District 7.
A staff representative said initial construction was completed in August 2025 but contractor-installed plumbing problems required additional remediation; those repairs are finished and remaining finishes should be done by mid-May, aligning with Hovanes’ operational readiness.
Under the contract, Hovanes will manage intakes, case management, referrals, meals, facility upkeep, security planning and connections to education and employment services. Funding for the contract will come from the state’s Homeless Housing and Assistance Program (HHAP), and staff said allocations have been set aside for the next three years.
Councilmembers welcomed the award and pressed staff on oversight and accountability. Staff said they will monitor occupancy, receive incident reports, perform weekly site checks initially and conduct annual program monitoring and file reviews to ensure deliverables are met.
The council approved the contract by vote; staff expect the navigation center to be ready for residents in mid-May.
