WHAT ARE THE FACTS ON HOMELESSNESS IN ORANGE COUNTY?
Because of the timing of the federal rulings, the courts utilized the most up to date data on homelessness in North Orange County. Utilizing the 2017 Point-in-Time count conducted by the County of Orange, there were approximately 4,792 people in Orange County experiencing homelessness (2,584 of whom were unsheltered) on any given night. The majority of Orange County’s homeless, whether male or female, are U.S. citizens and long-term Orange County residents of over 10 years.
HOW ARE WE ADDRESSING HOMELESSNESS IN NORTH ORANGE COUNTY?
The North Orange County cities which includes the cities of Anaheim, Brea, Buena Park, Cypress, Fullerton, La Habra, La Palma, Los Alamitos, Orange, Placentia, Stanton, Villa Park, and Yorba Linda are working together on a collective plan to provide options for housing the homeless and providing wraparound services as part of a continuum of care with a balance of individual accountability.
HOW DOES THE MARTIN V. CITY OF BOISE RULING AFFECT STANTON AS IT RELATES TO HOMELESSNESS?
On September 4, 2018, the United States Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the City of Boise’s “anti- camping” ordinance banning sleeping outdoors is unconstitutional if the people it affects have no other options available. The Ninth Circuit Court agreed that the city violated plaintiffs' Eighth Amendment rights when it issued citations for sleeping or camping in public. As a result, cities would not be allowed to enforce such laws, if they did not provide housing options/resources, such as Navigation Centers.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR THE CITY OF STANTON?
If the City of Stanton does not comply with the mandate to add emergency housing options, the City cannot legally keep the homeless from creating an encampment in public areas, such as city halls, senior centers, local parks and neighborhood sidewalks, including sidewalks in front of residents’ homes.
WHAT IS THE RECENT UPDATE ON THE SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT?
On October 29, 2018, the City of Orange reached a settlement agreement with the plaintiff’s “Orange County Catholic Worker.” The lawsuit relates to the County of Orange’s clearing of homeless individuals along the Santa Ana River Trail in early 2018.
WHY SETTLE?
Settling the lawsuit will allow North Orange County cities to continue enforcement of anti-camping, public property storage laws, public park hours and regulations. The settlement will allow local law enforcement and code enforcement officers to uphold and enforce local and state laws while working to place people in shelters and housing with wraparound services. In addition, outreach services continue to be provided by Stanton’s non-profit partner, City Net.
WHAT IS THE NORTH ORANGE COUNTY COURT REQUIREMENT?
To continue to enforce anti-camping and public property storage rules, Federal Judge David Carter has indicated that the North Orange County cities will need to provide a homeless housing plan and provide 200 shelter beds to the region’s homeless population. The homeless population is based on the 2017 Point- in-Time Count conducted by the County of Orange.
HAVE THE NORTH ORANGE COUNTY CITIES IDENTIFIED SHELTER BEDS IN THE REGION?
The North Orange County cities have identified two industrial site locations in the region that will provide approximately 250 shelter beds and will serve as Navigation Centers. The cities are evaluating these industrial sites and are applying for State of California Homeless Emergency Aid Program (HEAP) funds to fund the development and tenant improvements for these industrial sites. The funding awards for HEAP were made at the November 7, 2018 County of Orange Board of Directors meeting, and the cities of Placentia and Buena Park, in working together with the other North Orange County cities, secured $12 million in grant funding for acquisition and construction of the Navigation Centers.
HOW WILL THE NORTH ORANGE COUNTY CITIES WORK TOGETHER TO ENSURE THE OPERATIONS AND ONGOING MAINTENANCE OF THESE CENTERS ARE SUSTAINED?
The North Orange County cities, comprised of the 13 cities, have agreed on a comprehensive Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to identify a governance structure, terms, schedule, ongoing funding of maintenance and operations of these Navigation Centers.
MOU - NORTH SERVICE PLANNING AREA (SPA)
WHAT IS A NAVIGATION CENTER?
Unlike traditional homeless shelters that provide only beds, a Navigation Center provides comprehensive services to its clients, including health and wellness resources, employment assistance, substance abuse services, and counseling. Case managers work with clients to connect them to stable income, permanent housing and ultimately, self-sufficiency. The Navigation Centers will have “controlled access” of clients from North Orange County cities, meaning they will be by authorized referring agencies and only accept North Orange County cities’ homeless clients. There will only be transportation in and out for client referrals, meaning no walk-ins or walk-outs will be allowed. The comprehensive wraparound services will be provided by People Assisting the Homeless (PATH), an experienced non-profit service provider with significant credentials in dealing with homeless clients for the Placentia Navigation Center. PATH will conduct detailed client registration, intake and referral to appropriate service agencies. Once registration is complete, the Navigation Centers will be responsible for client care and transportation needs. In addition, there are management and operations plan as well as a security plan for the two Navigation Centers. The Buena Park Navigation Center will have Mercy House as its operator, a highly regarded community based organization.
WHEN WILL THE NAVIGATION CENTERS BE IN OPERATION?
The City of Placentia’s Navigation Center opened on March 30, 2020 and on March 31, 2020, 67 homeless individuals were referred and admitted to the Center.
The City of Buena Park’s Navigation Center opened on June 15, 2020.
WHAT CURRENT RESOURCES ARE AVAILABLE TO ADDRESS HOMELESSNESS?
Through the North Orange County Public Safety Task Force, the region partners with City Net. City Net provides a comprehensive coordination of street outreach efforts, uniting the cities non-profits, businesses, and advocates on a regional solution. Through our weekly outreach, case management and access to resources, City Net focuses on getting people into stable housing with supportive services.
In addition, 211-OC is a comprehensive informational and referral system linking Orange County residents to community health and human services and support. 211-OC connects hundreds of people every day to shelters, food, low-cost counseling, subsidized child care, employment services and a range of services for individual and family self-sufficiency.
Lastly, the North Orange County Public Safety Task Force is comprised of the North Orange County cities, law enforcement agencies and non-profits. The Task Force focuses on regional solutions to complex local issues and has developed strategies and promising practices to effectively address homelessness in North Orange County.
WHAT CAN I DO AS A BUSINESS OWNER?
If you are an owner or operator of a business or commercial property and have concerns regarding issues of criminal activity on your property, there are resources available to help you in addressing your issues successfully. Below is a list of who to call in the most common situations:
WHEN TO CALL OC SHERIFFS (Non-emergency) at (714) 647-7000
- Drug activity or the presence of drugs or paraphernalia
- Impending access to businesses or right of way
- Trespassing
Sample Trespassing Letter for Businesses9.94.010 Trespasses upon private property prohibitedWHEN TO CALL CODE ENFORCEMENT HOTLINE AT (714) 890-4220
- Abandoned shopping carts or other unclaimed property
- Excessive trash, debris, and other outdoor storage
FOR LIFE THREATENING EMERGENCIES, DIAL 9-1-1Any criminal or non-criminal situations where the public feels threatened and/or is in need of an immediate police or fire response.