Central Cities Collaboration

Homelessness doesn’t stop at city lines—neither do we.

Colorful entrance mural at the Central Cities Navigation Center featuring the words Love, Kindness, and Perseverance alongside vibrant illustrations of palm trees, strawberries, and citrus fruit.

The Cities of Garden Grove, Westminster, and Fountain Valley formed a regional partnership to address homelessness across the Orange County Central Service Planning Area. This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to coordinated, effective solutions that extend beyond city boundaries.

Coordinated Regional Action

Recognizing that homelessness is a regional issue, the three cities began working together in 2022 to pool resources, align strategies, and develop shared solutions. This effort was formalized through a series of Memoranda of Understanding approved by each City Council, establishing a framework for collaboration on both capital development and ongoing operations.

The partnership is further strengthened by collaboration with the County of Orange, which committed significant funding to support the long-term success of the effort.

Twenty people standing in a construction site wearing hardhats and holding shovels. Behind them is large construction equipment.
Twenty people standing in a construction site wearing hardhats and holding shovels. Behind them is large construction equipment.

A Shared Commitment

The Central Cities Collaboration reflects a long-term commitment to:

  • Coordinate regionally rather than provide isolated responses

  • Use of public resources efficiently

  • Expand access to services and housing pathways

  • Deploy sustainable, data-informed solutions

We built a coordinated system that better serves individuals experiencing homelessness and strengthens the entire community.

a group of professionally dressed people seating and standing in a warehouse smiling and applauding.

Partnership History

June 2022

Regional discussions begin among the three cities to address homelessness collaboratively


July 2022

Acquired Central Cities Navigation Center (CCNC) building located at 13871 West St.



October 2022

Comprehensive Memorandum of Understanding signed


June 2023

Groundbreaking ceremony


August 2022

Community and neighborhood meetings


April 2023

Volunteers of America Los Angeles (VOALA) awarded operator contract for CCNC


June 2024

CCNC Grand Opening

Present

Ongoing collaboration to provide interim housing, supportive services, and pathways to permanent housing for residents of Garden Grove, Westminster, and Fountain Valley

Central Service Planning Area

The Central Cities Collaboration is located within Orange County's Central Service Planning Area (SPA), which includes Garden Grove, Westminster, Fountain Valley, Seal Beach, Huntington Beach, Santa Ana, Costa Mesa, Tustin, and Newport Beach. This regional partnership allows neighboring cities to coordinate resources, align outreach efforts, and connect individuals experiencing homelessness with the services and shelter that best meet their needs. By working together, local navigation centers can streamline referrals, maximize available resources, and improve pathways to permanent housing.

The Central SPA is served by several navigation centers that provide emergency shelter, housing-focused case management, and supportive services to individuals experiencing homelessness throughout the region.

Central Cities Navigation Center in Garden Grove
Santa Ana Navigation Center
Yale Navigation Center in Santa Ana
Costs Mesa Bridge Shelter
Huntington Beach Navigation Center
Tustin Temporary Emergency Shelter