New SMC Navigation Center Nears Opening

REDWOOD CITY, CA — A unique facility to help get people off the streets is on track to open this month in Redwood City, according to officials. San Mateo County will be home to the nation's first multi-story pre-fabricated modular shelter, offering 240 individual units spanning 2.5 acres.

The San Mateo Navigation Center includes 168 units sized at 200 square feet with in-unit bathrooms, along with 72 smaller units with access to communal bathrooms. The center offers several other common areas, including a commercial kitchen, medical and dental clinics, laundry and storage facilities, a barbecue area, a dog run, and a basketball court.

The county is hopeful its state-of-the-art facility will prove more useful than traditional models.

"Unlike a congregate shelter, the center offers increased privacy for clients and space for couples to stay together," county officials said. "The Center is a key component of the county's plan to make interim or permanent housing available to every unsheltered person who chooses assistance."

The project's total price tag was $57 million, but the majority of construction costs were covered by a state Homekey grant. Philanthropist John Sobrato donated $5 million, and a federal grant added another $500,000. LifeMoves signed a contract to operate the center for five years, paid for by state and county coffers.

The site where the navigation center now sits became available in 2021. The city and county agreed to a land swap, giving the county ownership of the plot on Blomquist Street. In return, Redwood City took ownership of a parcel on Maple Street, where construction will soon begin for up to 1,110 units of additional housing for formerly homeless residents.

Learn more about the new navigation center on the county's website.