Recognizing the Mercy House Brundage Lane Navigation Center

Floor Speech

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Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Mercy House Brundage Lane Navigation Center (BLNC) on five years of dedicated service to the Bakersfield community, providing individuals experiencing homelessness with the support and resources needed to secure stable housing and rebuild their lives.

Since opening its doors in 2021, the Brundage Lane Navigation Center has become a vital resource for some of our community's most vulnerable residents. Beyond offering hundreds of shelter beds, the center serves as a haven for the displaced to receive comprehensive services including case management, storage, transportation assistance, healthcare access, and housing support, helping people move from crisis to stability.

The center's continued growth reflects both its success and the community's commitment to addressing homelessness. During its first major expansion in 2023, the Brundage Lane Navigation Center added onsite medical services and a Recuperative Care Dorm, helping bridge the gap between healthcare and housing. The center also provides shuttle transportation services that connect residents with essential resources and opportunities throughout Kern County.

Today, the Brundage Lane Navigation Center stands as a cornerstone of Bakersfield's homelessness response system. As Mercy House's first program in Kern County, the center has housed over 500 people while simultaneously providing a level of care and support that extends far beyond traditional shelter services

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in celebrating the Mercy House Brundage Lane Navigation Center's 5th anniversary. Their commitment to ensuring quality, community-focused care will continue to serve as a lifeline for Bakersfield's most vulnerable for many years to come.

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