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Cornerstone reports successes at John Jones Navigation Center; city hears shelter outcomes
Summary
Cornerstone Resource Alliance told the commission its low-barrier John Jones Navigation Center (150-bed capacity) currently houses 123 clients, moved 826 people from shelter to housing in the past year, and reports more than 30% client employment; the agency asked for continued city support as the center coordinates care and partner services.
Alicia Pindabona, founder and executive director of Cornerstone Resource Alliance, presented the annual homeless-operations report and highlighted outcomes tied to the John Jones Navigation Center, which opened in August 2025.
Pindabona described the center as the only low-barrier emergency shelter in Monroe County, operating 24/7 with a capacity of 150 beds and currently housing 123 clients. She said the center served 826 individuals who moved from crisis or emergency shelter into housing over the last year and that over 30% of current clients are employed in local jobs. Pindabona called the center an "ecosystem of resources" by co-locating case management, meals, showers and partnerships with agencies such as Alcoholics Anonymous, the Department of Health and the College of the Florida Keys.
Commissioners thanked Cornerstone staff and asked about the presentation's slides, intake operations and how the city coordinates with partner agencies. Pindabona urged commissioners to continue supporting low-barrier approaches and noted the importance of collaborative, cross-agency services to stabilize clients and reduce emergency calls. Staff and commissioners requested the accompanying PowerPoint and committed to follow up on operational details.
