DATE: JUNE 17, 2026
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
FROM: Housing and Neighborhood Services Department
TITLE: APPROVAL OF A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH INTERFAITH COMMUNITY SERVICES FOR BRIDGE HOUSING AND CASE MANAGEMENT
RECOMMENDATION
title
Staff recommends that the City Council approve a Professional Services Agreement (PSA) with Interfaith Community Services (ICS), in the amount of $233,000, for operation of Oceanside Bridge Housing for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-27, and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement upon receipt of all supporting documents.
body
BACKGROUND AND ANALYSIS
The Housing and Neighborhood Services Department administers programs that support homelessness prevention, intervention, housing stabilization, and permanent housing placement efforts throughout the City of Oceanside. These efforts include coordination with the Oceanside Housing Authority (OHA), outreach providers, behavioral health partners, and housing navigation programs intended to assist individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
The Oceanside Bridge Housing Program addresses an identified gap within the local homeless response system by providing short-term transitional housing and coordinated supportive services for individuals experiencing homelessness who have an identified pathway to permanent housing but require interim housing stabilization.
Bridge Housing is intended to support individuals and households who are actively engaged in a housing plan but are awaiting permanent housing placement, rental subsidy issuance, or resolution of barriers that delay immediate housing access. The program also supports participants connected to local outreach initiatives, Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) programs, Rapid Rehousing (RRH), Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH), Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF), and other housing-focused interventions.
Interfaith Community Services owns and operates twelve transitional housing units on Division Street in Oceanside, with three two-bedroom units dedicated to the Oceanside Bridge Housing Program. These units provide capacity for up to 12 participants at any given time and are anticipated to serve approximately 24 unduplicated individuals annually. Average participant length of stay is approximately 90 days, depending on housing placement timelines and individual service needs.
The program serves adults experiencing homelessness within the City of Oceanside who meet HUD’s definition of homelessness or are at imminent risk of homelessness, possess an identified and viable housing plan, and are referred through Coordinated Entry or approved partner agencies. Referrals are accepted from community partners including OHA Case Managers, Turn-Health, the Oceanside Navigation Center, and other contracted or internal housing programs.
Participants receive structured supportive services designed to improve housing stability and facilitate rapid transition into permanent housing. Services include intensive case management, housing navigation, assistance obtaining vital documentation, coordination with healthcare and behavioral health providers, employment support, life skills development, and housing readiness preparation. Participants receive a minimum of twice-weekly engagement from Bridge Housing staff while maintaining continuity of care with referring agency case managers.
Program operations are supported through a staffing structure that includes a Program Manager, Bridge Housing Case Manager, and Resident Coordinator. Responsibilities include oversight of program implementation, compliance monitoring, participant engagement, housing coordination, safety and wellness checks, documentation of services, and coordination with community partners.
The Bridge Housing Program complements operations at the Oceanside Navigation Center and supports the City’s broader housing-focused homelessness response strategy. The program provides a structured interim housing option for individuals transitioning from outreach engagement and encampment response efforts into permanent housing opportunities. This coordinated approach is intended to reduce returns to homelessness and improve continuity of care throughout the housing process.
During the last year, the program served 23 households, including 1 household with children, and documented 561 service touchpoints, averaging approximately 24 contacts per household. Additionally, 87 percent of participating households transitioned to long-term housing placements, while 48 percent of participants reported a physical or mental health condition requiring additional supportive service coordination.
Recent conditions affecting the Housing Choice Voucher program and regional housing market have increased demand for interim housing resources. Households receiving housing assistance may experience delays associated with unit availability, housing inspections, documentation requirements, and landlord participation. During these periods, temporary housing stabilization remains necessary to prevent returns to unsheltered homelessness. The Oceanside Bridge Housing Program is intended to address these conditions by providing temporary accommodations and coordinated support services while participants pursue permanent housing placements.
FISCAL IMPACT
The FY 2026-27 Homeless Diversion/Prevention, Account 150953103.5395, has an available budget of $500,000. Therefore, sufficient funds are available for the Professional Services Agreement with Interfaith Community Services in the amount of $233,000.
COMMISSION OR COMMITTEE REPORT
At a regular meeting of the Housing Commission on April 28, 2026, the Commission, by a vote of 6-0, approved a recommendation to the City Council for the approval of the PSA with ICS for operation of the Oceanside Bridge Housing.
CITY ATTORNEY’S ANALYSIS
The referenced documents have been reviewed by the City Attorney and approved as to form.
end
Prepared by: Salvador Roman, Senior Management Analyst
Reviewed by: Leilani Hines, Housing and Neighborhood Services Director
Submitted by: Jonathan Borrego, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Professional Services Agreement