County holds ceremonial groundbreaking for regional navigation center

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A group of individuals standing on a stage holding certificates. — *City and county officials join representatives from various legislative offices during a certificate presentation.*

San Bernardino County supervisors and leaders from the cities of Chino, Fontana, Montclair, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, Rialto and Upland, as well as state and federal representatives, gathered on Monday, April 6, to celebrate the groundbreaking of the West End Regional Navigation Center.

The navigation center will operate as a low-barrier shelter that will provide 100 shelter beds and 100 recuperative care beds. Residents will also have access to behavioral health services, medical care, case management, transportation assistance and housing placement.

At the groundbreaking ceremony, speakers emphasized the importance of collaboration across local, state and federal levels. Representatives Pete Aguilar and Norma Torres echoed this message by highlighting the critical role of federal partnerships in addressing homelessness.

“No single county or city can address this challenge alone,” said Board of Supervisors Chairman and Third District Supervisor Dawn Rowe. “Meaningful progress will require coordinated regional efforts and a shared commitment to addressing homelessness.”

Vice Chair and Fifth District Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr. described the project as a major milestone that took years in the making. “This represents a meaningful victory for the county, our partner cities and the residents who seek an improved quality of life,” said Baca. “Collaborative efforts like those demonstrated through the navigation center are key to creating meaningful and lasting progress.”

Second District Supervisor Jesse Armendarez highlighted the broader meaning of the project. “This groundbreaking is not just about a building; it’s about expanding opportunities for our community,” said Armendarez. “It stands as a strong example of how local governance should operate, with collaboration and shared commitment driving long-term success.”

Fourth District Supervisor Curt Hagman pointed to the extensive planning behind the project. “In developing this model, we collaborated closely with our city, state and federal partners while examining best practices from across the country,” said Hagman. “This coordinated service-driven approach will help us meet individual needs and achieve better outcomes.”

Fontana Mayor Acquanetta Warren focused on long-term solutions. “When we align our efforts and work with purpose, we can create pathways to stability and truly change lives,” said Warren. “This partnership reflects our commitment to building a coordinated system that moves beyond short-term responses and creates lasting pathways to housing, stability and dignity.”

Federal representatives highlighted the importance of strong partnerships. Aguilar said addressing homelessness requires cooperation across local, state and federal levels and added that success also depends on adequate funding and coordinated planning. Torres noted that people may not know when they will need a facility like this and emphasized that the center will provide crucial support to help individuals and families recover and rebuild their lives.

The event concluded with a ceremonial signing that formalized the commitment between the county and its partner cities to fund and support the West End Regional Navigation Center. Leaders expressed optimism that the center will serve as a model for regional collaboration in addressing homelessness.

Additional County Update News – April 9, 2026