Renewal of Agreement to Operate Buena Creek Navigation Center

Renewal of Agreement to Operate Buena Creek Navigation Center

The Vista City Council approved continuing operations at the Buena Creek Navigation Center through 2027 during its regular meeting on Aug. 25. The action ensures that interim housing and supportive services remain available as the City pursues the development of a permanent navigation center.

The 48-bed facility provides low-barrier interim housing for adults experiencing homelessness, including couples and people with pets. Since opening in March 2024, the center has provided shelter, intensive case management and connections to permanent housing, behavioral health care, substance use treatment and other services.

Through June 2026, the center served 587 people and recorded 543 program exits. Of those exits, 57% were to positive destinations, including 38% directly to permanent housing and 19% to temporary housing or transitional settings that supported participants' continued progress toward long-term housing stability.

Operating the center for an additional year is estimated to cost approximately $2.3 million, including $528,000 for the property lease and $1.8 million for operations. The City has requested additional state funding and applied for federal Continuum of Care funding. If those funds are not awarded, the City may use funding from its Permanent Navigation Center capital account to maintain operations. Staff will return to the City Council at a future meeting with the necessary funding appropriations and agreements.

Learn more about the City's Housing Programs.