La Palma's Response to Grand Jury Report*

The County of Orange and cities within Orange County have been inconsistent in collaboration for support of shelters and services, which has resulted in missed opportunities to end homelessness. Response: Disagree. The twelve (12) North Service Planning Area (NSPA) cities, including La Palma, have collaborated together with the County of Orange to construct and operate two (2) Navigation Centers to provide shelter and comprehensive wraparound services to our unsheltered residents of North County. As part of the collaboration, the North SPA cities entered into a settlement agreement between the County of Orange and homeless advocates as well as developed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between all participating cities to determine governance, cost share, and operational responsibilities. This model has demonstrated to be effective at addressing the regional nature of homelessness within the North SPA and cities within and beyond Orange County are looking at implementing a similar model. As cities alone, it is not feasible to end homelessness. We are currently managing homelessness within the North SPA; however, more needs to be done by the County and State. There is a need for other resources in regard to mental health and the housing crisis.

There are an insufficient number of rental units available to those exiting Emergency Shelters, resulting in the majority returning to homelessness when leaving the shelter. Response: Partially Agree. While some progress has been made, there continues to be an ever- growing deficit of affordable and low-income housing. The deficit is accompanied by the PHONE www.cityoflapalma.org 714 690 3350 7821 Walker Street FAX 714 522 2967 La Palma, CA 90623-1720 1 11 terms/conditions that many individuals experiencing homelessness cannot meet (background check, credit check, 3 times/rent amount, etc.) There is also a lack of services to help individuals retain their housing once they move in. Many individuals who experience homelessness need ongoing high level, case management/wrap around support services for a period after moving into a permanent home.