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Oxnard Council approves one-year Mercy House contract to operate navigation center amid debate over homelessness strategy
Summary
The City Council voted 6'1 on June 1 to award a one-year, renewable operating contract to Mercy House to run Oxnard's navigation center. Supporters said the navigation center uses a housing‑first model and has moved people into permanent housing; some council members questioned cost and long-term effectiveness.
The Oxnard City Council on June 1 approved a one-year agreement with Mercy House to operate the city'navigation center, authorizing a contract for fiscal year 2026'27 with options to renew and a not‑to‑exceed annual operating amount shown in the staff report.
Council members debated the merits of a housing‑first navigation center model versus enforcement approaches before voting 6'to'1 in favor; Council Member Star voted no. Housing Director Brenda Lopez described the procurement process and said Mercy House was the highest‑scoring proposer under the city'issued RFP. The contract authorizes the city manager to execute extensions or amendments according to the agreement.
Supporters, including Mayor Prom and multiple council members, said Mercy House operates a low‑barrier, housing‑focused shelter that emphasizes case management and navigation to permanent housing. Mercy House CEO Larry Haynes told council, "Since we have been a partner with the city of Oxnard, we have sheltered and housed hundreds of people off the streets of the city of Oxnard," and described the operator's staffing and case‑management approach.
Opponents and several public speakers stressed skepticism about large contracts for homeless services and questioned whether the model produces consistent long‑term results. Council Member Star said he was not convinced the approach yields sufficient return for public dollars and voted against the motion.
The housing department's contract will be administered with reporting requirements. The staff report requires monthly invoicing with backup cost data and program performance reports (length of stay, exits to permanent housing, occupancy rates and similar measures). Council directed staff to continue close monitoring of outcomes and to provide the agreed performance data on a regular basis.
Next steps: The contract begins July 1 if all administrative steps and signatures are completed; the council can reconsider renewal in subsequent years as the one‑year term allows optional extensions.
