How is Orange County Addressing Homelessness?*

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: The City of Brea disagrees with this finding. The twelve (12) North Service Planning Area (NSPA) cities 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. Cecilia Hupp Glenn Parker Christine Marick Marty Simonoff Steve Vargas Mayor Pro Tem Mayor Council Member Council Member Council Member Honorable Erick L. Larsh September 6, 2022 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 shelters. Response: The City of Brea partially agrees with this finding. While some progress has been made, there continues to be an ever-growing deficit of affordable and transitional housing. The 2019 Point-In-Time Homeless Count and Survey (PITS) indicates that 85% of homeless respondents have one or more disabling conditions, including 21% with a physical disability, 24% suffering from mental illness, 8% experiencing domestic violence, and 28% using alcohol and or other drugs. There is a shortfall of "Transitional" or "Supportive" housing units that are designed to be the next step for individuals exiting the emergency shelter. These uses often provide services such as mental health counseling, financial counseling, health screenings, and other services geared to address conditions affecting the homeless population. The goal of transitional and supportive housing is to ensure individuals can permanently escape homelessness, and eventually transition into an affordable housing unit that could become a permanent home. Programs such as an Affordable Housing Inclusionary Ordinance ensure that the production of affordable units is maintained in the jurisdiction. RESPONSES TO RECOMMENDATIONS R4, R5, AND R6: By July 1, 2024, the County of Orange and cities should collaborate to open facilities