People experiencing homelessness can find help at New Direction at 3333 N. M Street, Merced, or call (209) 205-3123. New Direction is the central location for Merced where people will be interviewed and then referred to the appropriate program. Merced County Rescue Mission is one of the providers of services for people experiencing homelessness and receives referrals from New Direction. We receive applications for our faith-based, Hope for Men and Women program, at our office at 644 W. 20th Street or call (209) 722-9269.

What is a navigation center?

The Continuum of Care (CoC) in Merced County began observing some cities and counties moving away from the shelter model to the navigation center model. A navigation center is typically described as a low-barrier and high-service environment for adults experiencing homelessness. The idea originated through the Continuum of Care (CoC), which consists of the City of Merced, the County of Merced, and non-profit organizations that work with people experiencing homelessness.

How is a navigation center different than a homeless shelter?

Navigation centers are open and staffed 24 hours a day. Residents do not have to line up to get in at night or leave during the day. People in the centers can bring in their partners, dogs, and possessions. However, they cannot walk into a navigation center. Clients must be referred, and the focus is on giving beds to the most vulnerable members of the homeless community. These centers have a "service-rich environment," which often includes medical workers, social workers, case managers, meal services, laundry facilities, bathrooms, kitchens, and more. Instead of just providing services that allow people to continue their lifestyle from the street, a navigation center model is one that helps people move from their life on the street toward self-sufficiency and toward a more productive life.

How many are there?

This is one of the first navigation centers to open in the Central Valley. Merced County joins cities like San Francisco and San Diego in opening a navigation center to help people experiencing homelessness. Getting people housed and moving them toward self-sufficiency is the long-term goal. We hope this navigation center can be used as a model for other cities and counties where homeless clean-ups and enforcement have not helped those experiencing homelessness get the essential services they need to move toward self-sufficiency. The core group from the Merced Police Department is doing a great job working with both New Directions and Behavioral Health in reaching out to the homeless community as they build relationships and encourage and refer people to available services.

Where is it? How many people do they serve?

The Merced County Navigation Center is located at the corner of 13th Street and B Street in Merced. With a capacity of 75 beds. The Navigation Center welcomes those experiencing homelessness who want to bring their dog. To donate dog food and other items to our visiting companions, please click here to view items on our Chewy Wishlist. To give toward immunization and spay/neutering, please choose your gift designation while making your donation here. Thank you!

Learn more about this project on the Merced County website, click here, or by watching the short video above.