Coral Street Residential Substance Use Disorder Services Navigation Center

The City of Santa Cruz acquired the property at 125 Coral Street in 2022 for three million dollars to develop a comprehensive Navigation Center aimed at providing low barrier, service-enriched shelter for at least 50 individuals with stays of up to six months. The project’s primary goal is to facilitate rapid access to permanent housing for individuals and families, incorporating a range of supportive services such as behavioral health clinics and potentially medical care. The site encompasses approximately 27,835 square feet and is strategically located near River Street and Highway 1, adjacent to the Coral Street Campus, which is leased to Housing Matters. A key component of the project is to expand residential substance use disorder (SUD) treatment capacity, offering 50 beds with services aligned to ASAM levels 3.1, 3.2WM, and 3.5, thereby addressing a critical gap in the local continuum of care. The project involves a solicitation process under RFP No. EDH-0163, posted in September 2025, with a response deadline of October 9, 2025. The contract size is estimated between five and ten million dollars, reflecting the scope of development and service provision. The initiative is managed by the California Department of Economic Development and Housing, with Kathryn Mintz serving as the primary contact. The existing service providers, including Housing Matters and the County Health Services Agency, are experienced in trauma-informed care and utilize the County HMIS system to coordinate services and monitor client engagement. Overall, the project aims to significantly enhance the local infrastructure for homeless services and substance use treatment, promoting quicker pathways to permanent housing and comprehensive health support for vulnerable populations.