Committee backs extension and $20.7 million cap for Third Street Youth Center navigation center

The Homelessness and Behavioral Health Select Committee voted unanimously May 12 to send to the full Board of Supervisors a resolution that would extend the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing’s grant agreement with Third Street Youth Center and Clinic for operations at the transitional‑age‑youth (TAY) navigation center at 888 Post Street through June 30, 2026, and increase the agreement to a not‑to‑exceed amount of roughly $20.7 million.

Emily Cohen of the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing told the committee the navigation center is one of eight navigation centers in the system and the only youth‑focused navigation center. “The proposed amendment would extend our contract with Third Street until 06/30/2026, and increase the not to exceed amount by 10,800,000.0 for a total not to exceed amount of $20,700,000,” Cohen said. She said the site expanded from a COVID capacity of 43 beds to a full capacity of 75 beds and serves young adults ages 18 to 27, providing case management, benefits navigation, wellness support and three daily meals.

Bureau of Legislative Analyst materials presented to the committee show the contract operates at about $3.7 million a year, roughly 87% funded by the Homelessness Gross Receipts Tax and the remainder by the city’s general fund. Nick Menard of the BLA said the center is a congregate setting with capacity for 75 beds and that the BLA’s fiscal review found no outstanding fiscal governance issues after COVID‑era service gaps were addressed.

Supervisors asked about demand and housing exits. Cohen said the latest point‑in‑time estimate counts roughly 1,000 unsheltered young adults, that only about 16% of youth experiencing homelessness are sheltered, and that the department has added about 400 placements for young adults over the last two years. Joy Jackson Morgan of Third Street said the program has tracked exits internally and that “the average day… our average stay is 72 days.” She added that most people leaving the nav center go into housing or safety transfers.

Members of the public and partner providers spoke in support of the extension and urged more clinical staffing and faster access to youth housing vouchers. Jalen Tullis, a 23‑year‑old who said he used the center, thanked staff and urged expedited vouchers so youths with immediate needs are not left without shelter on holidays or weekends.

Chair Supervisor Hillary Runyon moved to send the item to the full board with a positive recommendation; the motion passed unanimously with Vice Chair Mandelmann and Supervisor Walton also voting aye. The committee report will go to the Board of Supervisors on May 23 unless otherwise noted.