THE ASK
The City of San Francisco needed to respond to the Mission neighborhood’s public health crisis arising from its drastic increase in homeless tent encampments. The area required a secure refuge for San Franciscans experiencing long-term homelessness. The Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing determined that a new homeless navigation center would serve to help those who had been unable to access social services at traditional shelters—services such as safe sleeping quarters, case management, basic healthcare and drug treatment programs. Run by the SVDP-SF, the new facility would provide lasting social service and housing connections, as well as a continuum of services aimed at reducing and preventing homelessness.
HOW SPRUNG DELIVERED
Opened in June 2018, the Division Circle Navigation Center, dedicated to the memory of Brian Quinn and funded by the San Francisco Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing, provides 126 beds and extensive support services to its clients. The Bureau of Architecture and SF Public Works were key partners in the completion of the two Sprung structures that make up the facility, providing crucial support in the design and construction phases.
Situated perpendicularly one to the other, the placement of the two Sprung structures creates a community courtyard that features a garden, an outdoor active area and an off-leash dog run. The circular site provides privacy and security, as vehicle parking, bike storage and pedestrian entry are consolidated into one loading zone. The dormitory fills the larger, 150-foot structure and serves as many clients as possible while maintaining their privacy. Adjacent to the dormitory, the 75-foot structure houses staff offices, a pantry, laundry facilities, and a dining and lounge area. Restrooms and showers are in stand-alone units between the structures.
In its first month of operation alone, the Division Circle Navigation Center provided support services to over 200 individuals. These services include case management, medical care, mental health and substance abuse screening, access to a variety of social programs, and assistance finding suitable and available housing.
THE SPECS
- 60’ wide x 75’ long | Fully insulated multi-purpose space
- 60’ wide x 135’ long | Fully insulated accommodation facility
