ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
MEETING DATE: June 24, 2026 AGENDA CATEGORY: Public Safety Vital Services Measure TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Jennifer M. Byers, Economic and Community Development Director DATE: June 24, 2026
SUBJECT: Agreement with Mercy House ($7,929,751.90) for Brundage Lane Navigation Center Operations (Ward 1)
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of the agreement.
BACKGROUND:
On May 6, 2020, the City Council approved Agreement No. 2020-061 with Mercy House Living Centers to establish and operate the Brundage Lane Navigation Center (BLNC) at 1900 East Brundage Lane. The facility opened with a capacity of 150 beds and was designed to provide a comprehensive shelter and navigation program for individuals experiencing homelessness.
In 2023, recognizing the growing need for emergency shelter and supportive services within the community, the BLNC expanded with the addition of 119 beds and again in 2024 with the addition of 50 beds, bringing the facility's current capacity to 319 beds.
The 319-bed navigation center is uniquely designed to accommodate individuals, couples, pets, and personal belongings, reducing barriers that often prevent people experiencing homelessness from seeking shelter and assistance. The facility provides a safe, secure, and supportive environment where participants can access a broad range of services tailored to their individual needs.
Services provided at the BLNC include, but are not limited to:
24-hour facility operations and management;
Routine facility maintenance and janitorial services; Daily meal service;
Laundry facilities and hygiene support;
Transportation assistance;
Coordination with community and agency referral partners; Comprehensive case management;
Housing navigation and placement services;
Employment readiness and job training programs;
Veteran-specific services and benefits assistance;
Animal care services for participants with pets;
On-site and off-site security services;
Access to on-site medical services;
Access to on-site mental health and behavioral health services; and A dedicated respite care area that provides short-term recuperative support for participants recovering from illness, injury, hospitalization, or other health-related conditions while they stabilize and continue working toward housing goals.
Medical and behavioral health services are provided in partnership with the County of Kern Behavioral Health Department and the Kern Medical Hospital Authority, ensuring participants have access to critical healthcare resources that support both immediate needs and long-term housing stability.
For almost six years, the BLNC has served as a critical component of the City's homelessness response system. During that time, the facility has helped more than 617 individuals successfully transition from homelessness to housing, averaging more than 100 housing placements annually. These outcomes reflect the effectiveness of the BLNC's housing-focused model and its commitment to helping participants achieve long-term stability and self-sufficiency.
The BLNC has become a nationally recognized model for a navigation shelter with housing-focused services, demonstrating the City's commitment to addressing homelessness through compassionate, effective, and results-driven programming. Continued operation of the facility is essential to maintaining shelter capacity, delivering comprehensive supportive services, and advancing housing outcomes for Bakersfield residents experiencing homelessness.
To continue providing the high level of care, shelter, and supportive services that have defined the success of the BLNC, staff recommends approval of the agreement between Mercy House Living Centers and the City of Bakersfield in the amount of $7,929,751.90.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The use of Public Safety and Vital Services funding was proposed in the FY 2026-27 budget.
COUNCIL GOAL:
Safety and Resilience
ATTACHMENT:
Agreement