Homeless in Orange County up 28% since 2022

May 9th, 2024 – The Orange County Register reports …

A Dramatic Rise in Homelessness in OC over the Past Two Years

The number of people reported homeless in Orange County increased by 28% in the last two years, according to the latest “point in time count” results released Wednesday by county officials.

The county reported 7,322 people approached during the January count said they were experiencing homelessness. The last count in 2022 tallied 5,718 people either living on the streets in Orange County or staying in shelters.

Of those surveyed this year, 328 were veterans, 308 were young adults between 18 and 24 years old, and 869 were seniors ages 62 or older. “The most concerning thing about the 2024 point in time count summary was the 1,172 individuals who fell into homelessness for the first time in the last 12 months,” Fourth District Supervisor Doug Chaffee said. “We need to do more to prevent homelessness and prevent the trauma before it occurs.” >> Read the full article here.

What Can You do to Help?

If you are a member of Cross Community Church, in Laguna Hills, CA, or a visitor to the church, you can stop by the Connection Booth once a month and pick up a Blessing Bag emergency kit. Put one or two bags in your car trunk, and the next time you run across someone in need, hand them a blessing bag in the name of Jesus. Find out when we will be at the booth next by staying in touch with us by monitoring our Blessing Bags blog.

Local Resources to Help

What about Resources for Food, Clothing, Shelter and Training?

FOOD RESOURCES

Crossline Church – Food Pantry assistance

• Website: https://www.findhelp.org/crossline-community-church–laguna-hills-ca–food-pantry/4875456435716096?postal=92637
• Located in: Crossline Community Church, back parking lot behind church. Offers free perishable and nonperishable food to those in need. Address: 23331 Moulton Pkwy, Laguna Hills, CA 92653. Open Mondays, Wednesdays – 8:00 am to 11:00 am

South County Outreach – Food Market

• Website: https://www.sco-oc.org/
• Visit the Food Market once a month. If possible, clients must fill out an application and provide the following documentation: Identification for all Household Members.
• Located at 7 Whatney, Suite B, Irvine, CA 92618. Hours are Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Families Forward

• Website: https://www.families-forward.org/food-pantry/
• Food assistance Monday-Thursday, 10am-2pm.  Families may receive food once a week, and diapers, once a month. No appointment is needed, but you must be registered to receive food.
• Visit website listed above to register or call (949) 552-2727.

HOUSING RESOURCES

South County Outreach – Housing

• Website: https://www.sco-oc.org/
• Rapid Rehousing: Provides financial assistance and case management services to quickly place individuals and families who face imminent homelessness in new homes to ensure that they do not have to sleep in their cars or on the streets.

Mercy House

• Website: https://www.mercyhouse.net/regions/orange-county
• Call 714-836-7188
• Provides housing and comprehensive supportive services to a wide variety of homeless subpopulations including, but not limited to, adult men and women, families, mothers and their children.  Mercy House now operates a complete system of care in Orange County consisting of outreach, emergency shelters, transitional facilities, and permanent residences.

CLOTHING RESOURCES

• Working Wardrobes, Santa Ana.  (714) 210-2460.  Working Wardrobes provides numerous services including professional clothing, employment, career, financial literacy, and life skills training.
• Mary’s Kitchen:  (714) 633-0444.  Mary’s Kitchen provides donated clothing to people of all ages. They also offer showers and laundry services and a soup kitchen serving hot and prepared meals.
• Serve the People:  (714) 352-2911.  Serve the People provides a drive-thru food pantry and clothing donations (when available). They may also provide shoes, hygiene items, toiletries, diapers and other essential items.
• Helping Others Prepare for Eternity:  (714) 539-4357.  Helping Others Prepare for Eternity provides clothing and diaper kits each month. Food Pantry is also available. Must schedule intake and complete registration.

TRAINING RESOURCES

South County Outreach

• Website: https://www.sco-oc.org/
• Program supports clients in attaining stable, living-wage-paying jobs by providing the education and skills needed to set themselves up for success. Topics: budgeting, borrowing, managing debt, financial mgt.

OC Workforce Solutions

• Website: https://www.ocworkforcesolutions.com/
• Orange Country’s responsive resource for a full range of no-cost, life-transforming services and programs personalized for our communities’ job seekers.