The City of Medford Navigation Center

In 2021 the City of Medford sole-sourced the consulting services of RPM Team to peer review their Navigation Center program. This is the first city-funded Navigation Center, under the leadership of local service provider Rogue Retreat. Growing at a rapid rate, Rogue the city hired RPM to keep the project on track and to act as a necessary coordinator.

RPM’s scope began with an audit of the existing shelter and service system, all the way to the County. From the audit, RPM determined the deficiencies, and recommended remedial solutions. During the process, RPM interviewed local service providers to help write a plan that implemented “in kind” services, so everyone could work as a team.

Rogue Retreat had a separate development underway — Project Turnkey. Turnkey, meaning that funds were allocated to non-profit service providers to convert motels into long term supporting or rental housing for homeless. The City enlisted RPM to assess the situation and construct a project plan. Throughout, RPM assumed the role of owner’s representation and project manager to finish the construction and to consult on programs to include more revenue generating contracts for the converted rental units.

Additionally, the City is utilizing RPM to develop their vacant Navigation Center building, and redevelop an adjacent structure and vacant back lot. After review, RPM made recommendations, and the city agreed to develop the front-half building as a service and warming center for the Navigation Center, to turn the adjacent building to a family shelter, and to create a phased approach for the back lot, by first adding a parking lot and dog kennel area, and later adding micro home units.

Next, RPM will be assisting the city help develop a separate, new site, known as the Urban Campground. The Urban Campground will consist of small micro shelter units to offer more comfortable sleeping against their harsh climate along with camping tents for overflow use. RPM is currently auditing vacant land to help determine the best new location.