The San Diego County Taxpayers Association® recently announced honorees of the 28th Annual Golden Watchdog Awards. The awards recognize the best in public spending, decision-making, and efficiency throughout 2023 / 2024 in San Diego County.
The Golden Watchdog Award for best public/private partnership was presented to the City of Oceanside for the development of the Oceanside Navigation Center, a shelter partnership with the San Diego Rescue Mission.
"This recognition from the San Diego County Taxpayers Association validates our approach to addressing homelessness through strategic partnerships,” noted Oceanside’s Assistant City Manager Michael Gossman. “The Oceanside Navigation Center demonstrates how public resources, when combined with nonprofit expertise, can create effective solutions that serve our community, while maintaining fiscal responsibility. We're proud to work alongside the San Diego Rescue Mission to provide not just emergency shelter, but comprehensive support that helps individuals and families transition to stable housing."
To alleviate homelessness and to mitigate community impacts, the City opened its first year-round homeless shelter in 2023. A property was purchased, construction costs were approved, and an operating agreement was signed with the San Diego Rescue Mission for the management of the Oceanside Navigation Center at the centrally-located 3131 Oceanside Boulevard property (formerly Ocean Shores School). Major renovations were completed to ensure the facility is safe, clean, and welcoming to those needing it.
As the first permanent, year-round shelter in Oceanside that serves individuals and families experiencing homelessness, the shelter provides a safe place to sleep, as well as hot meals, clothing, necessities, hot showers, laundry, and personal storage areas. Guests receive weekly case management sessions to identify options for rehabilitation and stable housing. This modernized facility provides a low barrier to entry facility focused on moving people to permanent housing. The program uses a person-centered, trauma-informed care model.
“The Oceanside Navigation Center represents more than just a shelter; it's a testament to what's possible when local government and nonprofit organizations work together with shared purpose,” said Donnie Dee, president and CEO, San Diego Rescue Mission. “Through our partnership with the City of Oceanside, we're not just providing beds – we're offering comprehensive, trauma-informed care that creates real pathways out of homelessness. This award reflects the success of our collaborative approach and the positive impact we're making in people's lives.”
Homeless individuals and families are referred by the City's Social Workers, the Oceanside Housing Authority, the Oceanside Police Homeless Outreach Team, and/or the San Diego Rescue Mission, as the facility operators.
The City of Oceanside purchased the property and covered major renovation costs, while the San Diego Rescue Mission covers the day-to-day operating costs. We thank our partners at the San Diego Rescue Mission for their support in this endeavor.
More about the Oceanside Navigation Center
