Eco-Conscious SMC Center Helps Residents Transition Out Of Homelessness

REDWOOD CITY, CA — The County of San Mateo is spotlighting its Navigation Center in Redwood City as an example of public services integrating sustainability features to reduce energy, waste and water consumption on Earth Day, which is Wednesday.

The County-owned facility offers 240 safe, temporary living spaces and support services designed to help individuals and couples transition out of homelessness. It was designed with eco-conscious elements to minimize environmental impact and lower operating costs.

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"Sustainability is a core element of any successful project, and we are proud of the features built into the Navigation Center to reduce its environmental impact and support healthier operations," said Adam Ely, County of San Mateo Assistant County Executive.

The Navigation Center features a host of green initiatives:

• LEED Silver Certification for construction.
• Rooftop solar panels that generate clean energy, offsetting approximately 60 percent of the facility's non-renewable electricity reliance.
• An all-electric industrial kitchen, reducing onsite fossil fuel use.
• Electric vehicle charging infrastructure for clients, staff, and partners.
• A community garden to support wellness, nutrition, and connection to nature.
• Water refill stations and compostable utensils to reduce single-use plastic waste.
• A recycled water drip irrigation system for landscaping.
• Modular construction, which minimized construction waste and improved building efficiency.

“The Navigation Center was designed to support people with dignity while reducing energy use, waste, and operating costs,” said Nicholas Hodges, LifeMoves Interim CEO. “Features like an all-electric kitchen, community garden and refillable water stations help us provide clients nutritious, climate-conscious meals, meaningful activities and a healthier living environment while being good stewards of public resources and the environment.”

The facility is made up of prefabricated modular units that provide interim housing. The design is informed by trauma-informed principles.

The Navigation Center is pet-inclusive and allows clients to stay with a partner, offering onsite support services. Amenities include a dog run, basketball court, and barbecue area, along with onsite specialists for housing, employment, health, dental, and social service benefits.

The facility is owned by the County of San Mateo and operated by LifeMoves.