[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 107 (Thursday, June 25, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E620]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      RECOGNIZING THE MERCY HOUSE BRUNDAGE LANE NAVIGATION CENTER

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                         HON. DAVID G. VALADAO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 25, 2026

  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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