Housing Navigation Center

Once operational, unsheltered men and women who need a place to stay while actively working with a case manager on permanent housing will be referred to the Navigation Center by first responders and other City partners. Any unsheltered person living in the path of TXDOT's proposed I-45 expansion who meets this criteria may be referred to the Center.   

The Jensen Navigation Center is a two-year pilot project and the first Navigation Center within Houston. There are currently no plans or funding sources identified for other Navigation Centers during this two-year period. The site was selected because it is A) already owned by the city, B) vacant C) located in close proximity to the urban core, with a building that could be renovated in a reasonable timeframe into a Navigation Center during the pandemic and the pandemic recovery period.   

The Navigation Center will be paid for by Federal funds that must be used to help individuals experiencing homelessness. There is currently no funding source identified to create a grocery store as suggested.  The renovation and activation of a vacant property and the reduction of homelessness supports economic growth and prosperity of the community.  The city continues to work with potential partners to increase retail food options in the community.   

We will initially prioritize those experiencing unsheltered homelessness in the 5th ward area.  A locally developed, standardized vulnerability tool is utilized. Current housing data demonstrates a racially equitable response as the demographics of those housed match the overall data of those experiencing homelessness. Racial equity is a priority that will be continuously monitored by the city and other partners. This facility will serve individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness, providing bridge beds to those who are actively working with their case managers to achieve housing.  

This facility will utilize the housing first model, as it’s clients will be housed through The Way Home initiative. Furthermore, this facility will support the housing first efforts, as a bridge for unsheltered individuals experiencing homelessness that are actively work with housing navigators on placement into permanent housing.  The prioritization for those being housed will follow The Way Home’s prioritization policies and procedures. People that are referred to housing through the normal Coordinated Access referral process will have the option to stay at the navigation center while working with their case manager to achieve housing.  The Harris Center will provide onsite Mental Health services. Individuals experiencing acute mental health issues will be treated at a different, specialized facility that is better equipped to meet their needs. The Navigation Center is for those who are literally homeless. There are other eviction and homeless prevention programs being provided by the city, county, and state for individuals at risk for becoming homeless. 

This facility incorporates the Complete Communities goals by creating and aiding in the safe housing of those “struggling with homelessness, mental illness, or physical disabilities.”  Thereby, promoting housing stability and advancing healthy living, it will improve safety on the streets, by providing a safe and professionally managed, alternative environment for individuals currently residing on the community’s streets.  Furthermore, the project will aid in improving the streetscape.  The proposed, additional investments will create a beautiful neighborhood park, support job training opportunities, and focus on illegal dumping and other activities.   

This facility will serve individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness, providing bridge beds for clients who are actively working with their case managers to achieve housing. The average current time to get housed is about 35 to 45 days.  Individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness will be placed into Rapid Rehousing and Permanent Supportive Housing through the continuum of care from the bridge beds provided at this facility. This facility does not utilize TIRZ funding. The Way Home (our regional homeless housing system) and The Coalition for the Homeless are committed to including those with lived experience. It is The Way Home’s intention that the Navigation Center support staff will include peer supports who are individuals with lived experience.  Combining their lived experience with their daily involvement within the Navigation Center operations, the Peer Support Specialists will be able to inform ongoing improvements throughout the programs’ operation.  More specifically, the peer specialists at the Navigation Center will enhance engagement and deliver feedback to the funders and the homeless response system, ensuring a variety of lived experiences are considered in the creation of Navigation Center operational policies, practice, and modifications for improvement.  Additionally, the Coalition for the Homeless staff and the procured operator’s leadership will go to the Navigation Center regularly to engage informally, listen to client stories, ask questions, receive feedback, and modify operations as necessary. 

Youth will not be served at this facility, as there are other specialized facilities better equipped to support the youth population.