San Bernardino County turns warehouse into 200-bed homeless shelter by 2025

San Bernardino County is converting a vacant warehouse in Fontana into a regional homeless shelter. The facility, named West End Regional Navigation Center, will have 200 beds to address the growing need for shelter space. County officials highlight the lack of available beds across the area as a key reason for the project. The county and seven cities are working together to repurpose the warehouse. Each homeless person seeking a bed will need a referral from their local city. This ensures that residents from involved areas can access the shelter.

The centre will offer health services, round-the-clock security, and improved fire safety measures. These steps aim to ease concerns from nearby businesses. Fontana Mayor Acquanetta Warren stated the facility would provide all necessary support for homeless individuals to move towards permanent housing.

Fontana plans to open the shelter next year. Its primary goal is to assess the needs of homeless individuals and guide them towards stable housing solutions. County officials believe the space and resources will make a meaningful difference in tackling homelessness. The new shelter will add 200 beds to San Bernardino County’s limited capacity. It comes as the latest homeless count shows nearly 2,500 unhoused people in the area. The facility is designed to offer both immediate relief and long-term support for those in need.