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Category Archives: homeless

The City of Santa Ana sues south O.C. cities and the County over the homeless crisis

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The City of Santa Ana filed two lawsuits on Jan. 13 in its continuing efforts to address the impacts of homelessness.

The first seeks to halt the proposed transportation of homeless individuals into Santa Ana by three local cities, among other relief. The second seeks to abate public nuisance conditions at a facility in Santa Ana operated by the Mental Health Association of Orange County.

The legal actions were authorized by a unanimous vote of the Santa Ana City Council during a closed session meeting on Dec. 17.

Case SA CV 20-0069-DOC (DFMx), filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, Southern Division, names as defendants the County of Orange and the cities of Dana Point, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano. The complaint alleges violations of the Eighth Amendment prohibition on cruel and unusual punishment and the 14th Amendment’s equal protection and due process clauses.

The City of Santa Ana is seeking monetary damages for its past and future expenditures on homeless resources and related services. The City also is seeking injunctive relief prohibiting the proposed transportation of homeless individuals by the above cities to the National Guard Armory in Santa Ana that is operated by the County for temporary nighttime shelter.

The complaint alleges that the city of San Clemente has closed its temporary homeless shelter and has decided to use the Armory to serve its homeless population. Dana Point and San Juan Capistrano are reported to be sharing in the cost of the transportation of such individuals to the Armory. More generally, Santa Ana urges that these jurisdictions have not equitably participated in relieving the homelessness crisis in Orange County. The complaint seeks to re-focus efforts on a more collaborative approach to the crisis.

The complaint also alleges the County of Orange has established homeless services almost exclusively in Santa Ana. In addition to the 200-bed Armory, the County operates a 400-bed shelter in downtown Santa Ana with plans to replace it with a new 425-bed shelter also in Santa Ana.

The City of Santa Ana operates its own 200-bed homeless shelter for Santa Ana residents.

In recent years, the city of Santa Ana has been compelled to spend millions of dollars from its general fund to address health and safety concerns attributable to the homeless population now living here. That money would otherwise have been spent on providing core services to residents, a deprivation that has subjected residents to cruel and unusual punishment and deprived them of due process of law, the complaint says.

Santa Ana also has the largest Latino population in Orange County, 78 percent of a total population of 341,000, and one of the county’s lowest median household incomes. As a result, the burden of servicing the county’s homeless that has been placed on Santa Ana constitutes a denial of residents’ equal protection under the law, the complaint states.

A hearing on a motion for preliminary injunction in the federal case is scheduled for Feb. 4 at 8 a.m. in U.S. District Court in Santa Ana.

The second case, filed in Orange County Superior Court, names as defendants the Orange County Association for Mental Health, doing business as Mental Health Association of Orange County, and BT Investment Properties, LLC, which is the owner of the property in question.

In this case, Santa Ana alleges that the operation of the Homeless Multi-Service Center by the Mental Health Association has resulted in negative impacts to public health, safety and welfare. The Santa Ana Police Department received more than 249 calls for service at the location between May 1, 2017, and Jan. 9, 2020, according to the complaint.

The City further alleges that the multi-service center is not in compliance with the City’s zoning code.

Supervisor Andrew Do launches his reelection campaign

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ORANGE COUNTY – January 3 – The Andrew Do for Supervisor campaign has launched a new ad titled “For Every Family” that began airing January 1 on cable throughout Orange County, backed by a six-figure ad buy.

Homelessness has become rampant throughout Orange County and California, though under Supervisor Do’s leadership and hard work, the county has seen tremendous improvement on eliminating homelessness, thanks to significant investment and action from the county.

“It was a crisis, so we got to work and made a difference,” Do said. “The homeless are our family–no family deserves to live on the street. We’re ending homelessness one at a time, until no family is left behind.”

Chief Strategist for the Andrew Do for Supervisor campaign, John Thomas, said: “Very rarely do we see a politician keep his or her word and make good on campaign promises, but Andrew Do is doing just that. He’s laid the foundation for ending homelessness and it’s exciting to dream about what he can accomplish with four more years.”

About Supervisor Andrew Do

A former prosecutor, educator, businessman and judge pro tem, Orange County Supervisor Andrew Do is fighting for Orange County taxpayers and working families in the First District communities of Garden Grove, Fountain Valley, Midway City, Santa Ana and Westminster.

As Orange County Supervisor, Andrew Do has increased funding for the Orange County Sheriff’s Department and expanded access to vital health care services for seniors and working families. He has cut taxes on small businesses, eliminated regulatory obstacles that impede innovation and defended Prop. 13 by expanding OC taxpayers’ rights to appeal their property tax bills.

During the Fall of Saigon, Andrew Do and his family fled Vietnam with just the clothes on their back and a suitcase full of dictionaries. Thanks to supportive teachers and faculty at Garden Grove’s Jordan Intermediate and Bolsa Grande High School, Andrew developed the educational foundation to earn his bachelor’s degree from University of California, Davis.

His education continued at the University of California, Hastings College of the Law, where he volunteered with the public interest law project to address homelessness and aid marginalized communities. After law school, he taught as an Adjunct Professor at Cal State University, Fullerton and then served as a Judge Pro Tem at Orange County West Municipal Court.

After several years providing legal representation to poor and indigent defendants, Andrew Do joined the Orange County District Attorney’s office – with his last assignment prosecuting sexually violent predators as a member of the D.A.’s Sexual Assault Unit. His skills in the courtroom earned him national recognition from the U.S. Department of Justice, when he was chosen to represent Orange County at the National District Attorney Association Advocacy College at the University of South Carolina.

Andrew Do previously served as a Councilmember for the City of Garden Grove and as Chief of Staff to an Orange County Supervisor. His lifetime of community involvement includes service as President of the Asian Bar of California and President of the Vietnamese-American Bar Association of Southern California as well as service on the Board of Directors of the Orange County Bar Association.

The City Council takes action to curb the abuse of homeless resources in Santa Ana

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The Santa Ana City Council during its closed session meeting last night, Dec. 17, 2019, voted unanimously to authorize the City Attorney to take legal action to curb the abuse of its homeless resources by others.

The Council voted to bring action against those cities, the county and any other entities engaging in an organized effort to transport homeless individuals out of their area to Santa Ana.

Council members also unanimously authorized bringing legal action against the Mental Health Association of Orange County to ensure that its operations in Santa Ana are nuisance-free.

Additionally, the Council directed City staff to proceed with the existing cross-complaint against the County of Orange and other Orange County cities to:

  1. Address the release of jail inmates in Santa Ana;
  2. Object to the County’s planned homeless shelter site on Yale Street in Santa Ana; and
  3. Ensure that social service providers contracting with the County do not disproportionally impact Santa Ana.

“Through no fault of our own, an undue burden in this countywide humanitarian crisis has been placed on Santa Ana’s homeless shelters, social services, neighborhoods and resources,” Santa Ana City Manager Kristine Ridge said today.

In 2018, the City of Santa Ana conducted a point-in-time count of the homeless living in the city and found that over 50 percent of that population had arrived in Santa Ana from other parts of the county.

The City has been spending nearly $17 million annually on homelessness-related matters and expects that to increase to $25 million in the current fiscal year.

More information about Santa Ana’s efforts to address homelessness is available at santa-ana.org/homelessness/interim-homeless-shelter-link/santa-ana-homeless-services-data-dashboard.

Union Pacific begins cleanup operation in Santa Ana

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Union Pacific Railroad today began a comprehensive cleanup operation at its properties across Santa Ana.

This was the result of the City of Santa Ana’s constant communication with Union Pacific during the past several months about the condition of the company’s properties.

The City has directed its homeless outreach and case management contractor to put resources into the areas around the Union Pacific corridor in order to provide assistance to those who may need it. The City’s Quality of Life Team also is available to assist with any issues related to the homeless.

Report concerns such as abandoned property on City right-of-way with the mySantaAna app or by calling Public Works dispatch at (714) 647-3380.

Learn more about the mySantaAna app at www.santa-ana.org/residents/mysantaana-app.

Hours at the Santa Ana Armory extended due to the weather

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(Santa Ana, CA) – The Orange County Armory Emergency Shelter Program in Santa Ana and Fullerton is operating on a 24-hour basis with coordination and support from the California Military Department, today through Friday morning to provide shelter and protection to residents experiencing homelessness during the current and predicted rain.

Due to the anticipated severe weather event in Orange County and the region, the County of Orange, in conjunction with Mercy House Living Centers, is providing shelter services all day at the Santa Ana and Fullerton armories. The armories are scheduled to resume regular operations the evening of Friday with operating hours from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m.

The Santa Ana and Fullerton armories provide a total of up to 400 beds per night. Individuals experiencing homelessness will receive a nutritious meal, a warm shower and a safe place to sleep.

In addition to the seasonal armories, the County operates the Courtyard Transitional Center in Santa Ana and Bridges at Kraemer Place in Anaheim. For additional information about County shelters, visit www.occommunityservices.org/hcd/homeless/shelter_programs.

Setting the record straight about the Yale Transitional Center for the homeless

Posted on by Posted in Andrew Do, Angie Rosario Cano, homeless, Housing, Orange County, Santa Ana 1 Comment

There has been a lot of misinformation lately about how the County of Orange is handling the homeless crisis in Santa Ana. There is accurate information available online, but the media and the NIMBYs have been ignoring the facts.

For example did you know that the homeless shelter at the abandoned DTSA bus terminal, known as the Courtyard, was suggested by the City of Santa Ana? So the County bought the land. Now the City of Santa Ana wants to close the Courtyard.

The City then chose a Central Street location. Then the City withdrew from that location. The Santa Ana City Council then suggested the Yale location., as you can read about here.

The City and the County agreed to an MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) re the Yale Transitional Center, which you can read here.

Supervisor Andrew Do wanted to ensure the city would not pull out so he asked the city for a financial commitment. They all then went to court and Mayor Miguel Pulido said he would work with the County.

Eventually Supervisor Do became concerned because the City of Santa Ana was not living up to their end of the MOU, specifically they did not do any community outreach, as you can read about here.

In October of this year the City of Santa Ana sent a letter to the County ridiculously indicating that it was the County that breached the MOU. The County responded with their own letter clearly outlining what the City had done.

Currently the City of Santa Ana is not in the settlement agreement. To join it they have to open up an additional 250 beds. That would allow the enforcement of the anti-camping law.

The Yale Transitional Center will provide shelter for up to 425 individuals experiencing homelessness in the Central Service Planning Area, consisting of 275 single men, 100 single women and 25 couples (50 people).

This new shelter will NOT however be anything like the miserable Courtyard. You can read the Yale Transitional Center plan for yourself here.

Here are a few facts about the Yale Transitional Center that you most likely are not aware of:

  • Clients may stay at the Transitional Center for 180 consecutive days. Extensions on length of stay will be permitted on a case-by-case basis.
  • The Transitional Center will serve homeless men and women who are living in the Central Service Planning Area only.
  • The Transitional Center will not allow walk-ups to enter the facility.
  • Individuals seeking shelter will require a referral to the Transitional Center by designated partners and complete intake and screening for the program prior to their arrival at the Transitional Center. This will ensure a bed is available and determine if the individual is appropriate for the program.
  • Individuals with active felony warrants will not be allowed at the Transitional Center.
  • The Yale Transitional Center will provide 24-hour security to enforce strict No Walk-Up, No Walk-Out, and No Loitering policies. The program will support transportation of clients in and out of the Transitional Center.
  • Referral partners include the OC Health Care Agency Outreach and Engagement, law enforcement, and other designated street outreach and community-based programs. Referral partners are required to follow the intake referral process that includes a bed reservation system.
  • Clients will receive a Transitional Center ID card which will include a picture and be required for readmission for the duration of their stay.
  • Meals will only be provided to clients of the Transitional Center.
  • The OC Health Care Agency, Social Services Agency, and OC Community Resources will integrate supportive services and resource teams to support the Transitional Center delivery of services.

Will there be rules enforced at the Yale Transitional Center? You bet:

  • Warnings may be issued for the following rule violations, but not limited to:
    • Loitering in the surrounding community
    • Missed curfew
    • Smoking in non-designated areas
    • Being in a non-designated area in the facility
    • Disrespectful language and/or behavior
    • Harassment of staff or other clients
  • Immediate exit from the program may occur for violations that create an unsafe environment for clients and/or staff including, but not limited to:
    • Drugs or weapons in the facility
    • Being under the influence of drugs, and/or alcohol
    • Physical fighting, physical assault,

Now you may have heard a lot of chatter about the impact on schools and such by the Yale Transitional Center. However if you look at the proposed map of the site you will see that the current Courtyard shelter poses the far greater threat to the community!

  • There are no less than even schools located within the affected radius of the Courtyard! Only two schools are in the radius of the Yale Transitional Center.
  • There are three daycare centers near the Courtyard – and none near the Yale Transitional Center.
  • There are 9 churches located near the Courtyard and only three by the Yale Transitional Center.
  • There are two libraries near the Courtyard while the only cultural center near the Yale Transitional Center is the O.C. Heritage Museum.

To recap the City of Santa Ana cannot enter into the Settlement Agreement with Judge Carter unless we provide more beds for the homeless. The Courtyard Shelter is going to close down, at the insistence of the City of Santa Ana. The Link Shelter was always a temporary solution too. If we want to get the homeless off our train tracks, out of our creeks and off of our streets then we need to support the Yale Transitional Center.

Lastly while it is true that the southern cities in Orange County are not doing enough to deal with the homeless I remind you again that the homeless in question were living in the Plaza of the Flags for years. And the Yale Transitional Center will only be made available to those homeless who are already here.

There is no perfect solution when it comes to dealing with our homeless. But deal with them we must. The NIMBYs will never be pleased by any option. I for one would like to get these people off the streets!

Remember too that it is now getting colder. I still go out and walk every night, but in a parka. I see homeless people freezing all over the place. I thank God I am not in their number. If we can accommodate a few of them why wouldn’t we want to do so?

Lastly there has been a huge ruckus in the wake of Angie Cano’s dismissal from the OC Airport Commission after she spoke out against the Yale Transitional Center at a meeting of the OC Board of Supervisors. I just don’t understand this. Supervisor Do has the right to dismiss any of his Commissioners at any time for any reason! That is not an abridgment of free speech. While Do had other reasons for dismissing Cano it is immaterial. He had the unequivocal right to dismiss her, for any reason. This was not a scandal at all.

The SAPD arrested a transient car burglary suspect

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Santa Ana PD Patrol Officers located and arrested wanted suspect Manuel Marcos Saucedo, a 22-year-old transient and he was booked into the Santa Ana Jail. A female suspect is still outstanding and unidentified at this time.

Anyone with information identifying the female suspect in this case is asked to contact Detective B. Romero at (714) 245-8529.

ORIGINAL MESSAGE –

On October 27, 2019, at approximately 1:42 AM, the female and male wanted suspects were captured on video surveillance burglarizing the victim’s vehicle. The loss at this time were tools and a car jack. Upon inspection of the vehicle, it appeared that the suspects attempted to steal the vehicle using a shaved key (which was found broken off inside the vehicle) and the ignition was tampered with.

Anyone with information identifying the suspects in this case is asked to contact Detective B. Romero at (714) 245-8529.

County opens seasonal armory emergency shelter in Santa Ana

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SANTA ANA, Calif. (November 12, 2019) — The County of Orange, in partnership with Mercy House Inc. and the California National Guard, will open the seasonal Armory Emergency Shelter (armory) in Santa Ana this evening. This armory will provide up to 200 beds for individuals experiencing homelessness.

“The County finds it critical that individuals experiencing homelessness have access to shelter and other necessary services,” says Chairwoman Lisa Bartlett, Fifth District Supervisor. “The Armory Emergency Shelter program expands the County’s capacity to serve those individuals.”

The armory typically runs operations during the cold weather season and provides shelter along with a nutritious meal, warm shower, safe place to sleep and a wide variety of supportive services. Doors will open at 7 p.m., and shuttles will begin pick-ups at 6 p.m. from multiple locations to transport program participants to the facility at 612 E. Warner Ave. Walk-ups will not be permitted.

“The seasonal armory program is an essential element of our County shelter system,” said Vice Chair Michelle Steel, Second District Supervisor. “Providing shuttles to transport clients ensures safety for those sleeping at the armory and for nearby residents and businesses,” Steel added.

As in previous years, many agencies will provide on-site services aimed at breaking the cycle of homelessness and moving individuals to self-sufficiency and independent living. These agencies include, but are not limited to, OC Health Care Agency, County of Orange Social Services Agency, Mental Health Association of Orange County and Orange County Rescue Mission. Donations from nonprofit organizations, churches and individuals add to the available resources to make this program a success.

“Winter is an especially difficult season for individuals experiencing homelessness,” says Andrew Do, First District Supervisor. “The Santa Ana Armory is a critical resource to our System of Care that includes a wide range of services and strategies in the winter months.”

The Armory Emergency Shelter program is operated by Mercy House through a contract and funding allocated by the County’s OC Community Resources department.

“Having a place to safely rest can free up one’s mind to focus on accepting services and planning for next steps,” says Supervisor Donald P. Wagner, Third District.

“Our community and partner agencies are very generous with their time and resources,” says Supervisor Doug Chaffee, Fourth District. “I would like to extend my personal thanks to them for working with us.”

For further information about the Santa Ana armory including shuttle pick-up locations, visit the Mercy House webpage or contact Mercy House at (714) 836-7188 ext. 170. For volunteer information, contact (714) 836-7188 ext. 168 or AlyssaS@mercyhouse.net.

For additional information about the County’s shelters, visit the OC Housing & Homeless Services webpage.

The City of Santa Ana has $493K available to fund nonprofit homeless service providers

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The City of Santa Ana announces the availability of approximately $493,000 in U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) funding for nonprofit homeless service providers. These funds are provided to entitlement cities and counties annually on a formula basis to assist sheltered and unsheltered homeless persons, those at risk of homelessness, and to provide services necessary to help those persons to quickly regain stability in permanent housing after experiencing a housing crisis and/or homelessness.

The Orange County ESG Collaborative is releasing the ESG application to organizations that provide homeless prevention and rapid rehousing services, street outreach and operate emergency shelters. The Collaborative which was created to ensure that funds are leveraged to create maximum impact in Orange County, includes the County of Orange, City of Irvine, City of Anaheim, City of Santa Ana and City of Garden Grove.

APPLICATIONS ARE AVAILABLE ON THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2019 AT: https://www.santa-ana.org/homelessness/emergency-solutions-grant

APPLICATIONS ARE DUE TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2019

For information regarding the release of the application, please contact Terri Eggers, Senior Community Development Analyst at TEggers@santa-ana.org or at (714) 647-5378.

The SAPD is looking for a vagrant who stole his mother’s car

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On 10/08/2019, at 11:30 AM, the victim arrived at the Extra Space Storage and parked her vehicle in front of the storage unit. The victim’s transient son, wanted suspect Jorge Edward Mendoza (39), was present without her permission and in violation of a restraining order.

As the victim was placing items into the backseat, Mendoza got into the driver’s seat of her vehicle and refused to get out. The victim was afraid to force Mendoza out of the driver seat due to his history of violent behavior and he appeared to be under the influence of drugs. The victim yelled at Mendoza to stop when he drove past her. Mendoza rammed the closed gate to the facility and exited the location.

Anyone with information on wanted suspect Mendoza’s whereabouts is asked to contact Detective Greaver at (714) 245-8362 or DGreaver@santa-ana.org

Santa Ana reaches a settlement with the O.C. Catholic Worker regarding a homeless shelter

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SANTA ANA, CA -At the Tuesday October 1st City Council Meeting a settlement agreement between Santa Ana and the Orange County Catholic Worker will be presented for final approval. This concludes over a year-long involvement in homeless litigation that the City of Santa Ana intervened in as a defendant.

Under the terms of the settlement the City commits to ensuring a 200 to 250 bed low-barrier shelter operates within the City. The City currently has a temporary 200 bed shelter known as “The Link”, the new required shelter will replace this facility. It is anticipated there will be an overlap time period for which both shelters are operational. The new shelter will operate similar to “The Link” and serve the homeless population with ties to Santa Ana.

A location for the new shelter has not been determined. The City still has an active cross-complaint against that County regarding a replacement for the County operated shelter known as “The Courtyard” and other obligations under a related Memorandum of Understanding.

To view a copy of the Request for Council Action and Settlement Agreement, please visit https://santaana.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=7235&meta_id=99728.

About City of Santa Ana
Santa Ana is downtown for the world famous Orange County, California. As the County Seat, home to a vibrant evening scene and one of the most diverse communities in California, Santa Ana is gaining national attention for its efforts to innovate and address a changing County. Over 1,200 City employees work hard every day to deliver efficient public services in partnership with our community to ensure public safety, a prosperous economic environment, opportunities for our youth, and a high quality of life for residents. Learn more at http://www.santa-ana.org.

The SAPD is searching for a transient who burglarized a local business

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On January 19, 2019, Vantha Nhean (34), a transient, was observed on video surveillance breaking into a business in the city of Santa Ana near the intersection of Mcfadden Ave. and Lyon St.

During the commission of the burglary, Nhean stole approximately $5,000 worth of laptops, cameras and other electronics.

A warrant was issued for Nhean’s arrest reference the burglary in addition to two other outstanding warrants for drug possession.

Nhean is a transient who frequents the southeast section of the city as well as motels in the 2100 block of E. 1st Street.

Anyone with information on Nhean’s whereabouts is asked to contact Detective Garcia at (714)245-8732 or jgarcia@santa-ana.org

Orange County approves another $13.4 million for homeless shelters

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Orange County continues to invest in shelters and outreach services for the homeless.

At its August 27th board meeting, the Orange County Board of Supervisors approved $13.4 million to continue funding for three homeless shelters in Santa Ana and support services for homeless residents.

“The actions taken today create a pathway to improving our shelters and continuing to support our homeless population,” said Supervisor Do. “Now, more than ever, we need to ensure that individuals, who are experiencing homelessness, have access to resources that will lead them to become self-sufficient.”

Over the next five years, the $13.4 million allocation will support services at three homeless shelters.

• The Courtyard: The Courtyard first opened its doors on October 2016. Through Midnight Mission, the shelter offers connection to necessary services aimed to help guests experiencing homelessness get on a path of self-sufficiency. As of June 2019, the Courtyard provided an average nightly occupancy of 400 per night and 5,456 meals per week to individuals experiencing homelessness.

• SAFEPlace: SAFEPlace provides shelter to women, children, and families with supportive services and an opportunity for women to enter into transitional housing operated by WISEPlace for Women. Case managers provide personalized counseling to help each of the approximately 90 women they see each year, overcome issues that led to their unemployment and homelessness.

• Washington Place: The Washington Place program provides shelter for couples or households of two adults experiencing homelessness. They have served eleven couples and assisted three couples transitioning into permanent housing from April 9 to June 30 of this year.

“Orange County’s homeless shelters need to be properly equipped with the necessary resources to help individuals,” said Supervisor Do.

The County of Orange, budgeted over $68 million for Fiscal Year 2018-2019 in funding specifically for addressing homelessness. The County of Orange is developing a System of Care that is responsive to the needs of the individuals and families experiencing homelessness in Orange County.

The SAPD is looking for a homeless Astros fan who burglarized a home

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On January 26, 2019, the victim’s residence was burglarized. DNA evidence was left at the scene, which was analyzed and matched with that of wanted suspect Jason Michael Martinez, according to the SAPD.

The case was submitted to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office who filed an arrest warrant against him. Martinez is a 42-year-old transient who frequents the City of Santa Ana.

Anyone with information on Martinez’ whereabouts is asked to contact Detective J. Garcia at (714)245-8732 or jgarcia@santa-ana.org

O.C. Settlement on homeless litigation finalized and is now in effect

Posted on by Posted in Courts, homeless, Orange County, Santa Ana 1 Comment

The landmark settlement agreement announced last week by Orange County Supervisor Andrew Do, the county’s lead negotiator for homeless litigation, was signed by all parties today and filed in Judge David O. Carter’s courtroom. The agreement is effective immediately.

The Orange County Catholic Worker and Ramirez settlement agreement includes the following components:

• Deputies may enforce anti-loitering and anti-camping laws immediately in restricted areas such as county parks, county flood control property, and county libraries, among others.
• The settlement agreement is applicable to the North and Central service planning areas of the County.
• The Orange County Sheriff’s Department will develop policies and procedures relating to the enforcement of the anti-camping and anti-loitering ordinances that meet the requirements of Martin v. City of Boise.
• The settlement includes the development of the Standards of Care for county-contracted homeless shelters. The Standard of Care will ensure that program eligibility, rights and responsibilities, staff training, grievance process, ADA compliance and services are implemented.
• Screenings and assessments will be made available to all homeless persons within the County of Orange who may be eligible for County-funded treatment programs and resources. When appropriate, the County will provide linkage to appropriate services and programs.

Supervisor Andrew Do Addressed the Court, Stating:

“The framework for the System of Care that the County has built, in part as a response to these lawsuits, will serve as a blueprint that, hopefully, other jurisdictions can adopt.”

“I am proud of the fact that these proposed settlements, for the North and Central Service Planning Areas in the County, strike a good balance between compassionate treatment of homeless residents and the County’s ability to address public health and safety concerns.”

“But, what I’m most proud of is the fact that the County’s System of Care was already in the process of being constructed, even before these lawsuits. Supervisor Bartlett and I began working on mental health started with the Mental Health Ad Hoc Committee over 4 years ago. This was followed up by my proposal for the position of Director of Care Coordination over three years ago, and continued with the opening of the Courtyard, Orange County’s first homeless shelter ever, four months later. The clearing out of the homeless encampments around the County became the County’s next focus to address the exploding public health and safety risks that came with those encampments, which led to us being before you the past 18 months.”

“I would like to thank the named and intervening cities, that have stepped up; they are working day and night to build innovative projects and contributing to the solution to homelessness,” said Supervisor Do. “The momentum that has been sustained by all of these cities, especially in the north SPA, has been instrumental in making Orange County a shining example of prudent, compassionate care for the homeless and made our settlements here today possible.”

Read Supervisor Do’s full statement to the court here.