SAN FRANCISCO—During El Niño’s downpour, leaving much of the state with flooded areas, and raising concerns for those San Franciscans without homes.
Mayor Edward M. Lee, who promised to add up to 1300 temporary shelter beds during inclement weather, has received some criticisms, according to people who often work with the homeless, according to the San Francisco Examiner, alleging that only 75 beds were added.
One of the solutions to helping the homeless to get off the streets is the Navigation Center, one funded by Mayor Lee. Opening on March 30, 2015, the Navigation Center, located at 165 Eighth Street, at Episcopal Community Church, is just one of many Navigation Centers in the works.
According to the San Francisco Examiner, Mayor Lee is proposing other areas of interest for such services, such as SoMa, The Waterfront and North Beach. The San Francisco News has reached out to Mayor Lee’s Office regarding when this plan will go forward, but no comment has yet been released.
The Navigation Center, which only services 75 people at a time, comprises “dormitory-style” living, as well as a bathroom, shower and laundry amenities and other services such as a 24-hour dining room and counseling offices.
The City of San Francisco which counted 6,686 homeless persons on the street on January 29, 2015, depicts a 2 percent increase since 2013.
David Campos, a member of the board of supervisors who represents the Mission District released the following statement regarding the need for more Navigation Centers: “Other parts of The City also need to step up to the plate. We have been carrying this responsibility. You probably need five or six navigation centers in San Francisco to really be able to address the level of need.”
Additional comments from representatives of the Episcopal Community Service is pending.
