Newport Beach approves agreement with Huntington Beach for 10 shelter beds and part‑time social services support

The Newport Beach City Council on June 23 approved an intergovernmental agreement with the City of Huntington Beach to secure temporary shelter capacity for Newport Beach clients at Huntington Beach’s Navigation Center.

Staff described the arrangement as 10 dedicated shelter beds for Newport Beach clients, one part‑time social‑services worker to handle outreach and case management for those clients, associated overhead, and a one‑time $9,000 charge to convert a vehicle for outreach use. Staff summarized the package cost as "$44,100 per month plus the one‑time $9,000 fee." (staff presenter)

Council members framed the agreement as a cost‑effective replacement for the city's prior arrangement. A council member said the city had reduced street‑level homelessness by more than 90% and that the proposed Huntington Beach contract represented "right‑sizing" shelter costs compared with the prior Costa Mesa arrangement. Council members moved, seconded, and the motion carried by unanimous vote.

Staff said the agreement would end the existing contract with the city's social‑service provider (People Assisting the Homeless) and result in significant monthly savings versus the prior contract arrangements, which staff estimated at roughly $120,000 per month all‑in previously. The council approved the agreement and directed staff to implement the transition with Huntington Beach.

What happens next: staff will finalize the agreement, transition shelter clients and case management responsibilities as described, and return to council with any implementation details if required.