City of Newport Beach Hewpor*

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 Newport Beach disagrees partially with this finding. Newport Beach recognizes that the County of Orange and cities must further streamline communication and continue to work together to identify and implement projects to provide more shelter beds, develop more permanent supportive and affordable housing, and provide consistent homeless outreach and services across jurisdictional boundaries throughout the county. However, it is important to note that progress has been made over the past few years and a collaborative network is in place within the Central Service Planning Area (Central SPA). The City appreciates the cooperation occurring between Newport Beach, the County of Orange and neighboring communities. The collaborative efforts between the County, the Orange County Continuum of Care and local cities have resulted in the creation of several shelters and services that better address unsheltered homelessness. For example, the City of Newport Beach entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Costa Mesa to secure 20 of the 70 beds and on-site services in the Costa Mesa Bridge Shelter. The shelter opened in April 2021 and since that time, the City of Newport Beach has sheltered an average of 18 people each night at this facility. Newport Beach and Costa Mesa staff members meet weekly to review shelter operations and discuss client case management. City Manager's Office Letter to The Honorable Erick L. Larsh September 14, 2022 The City communicates and coordinates routinely with County representatives as well. The City's full-time Homeless Coordinator participates in: County of Orange, Continuum of Care Board meetings and advisory committees • County of Orange Point in Time County Advisory Committee Orange County Housing Finance Trust meetings • County of Orange Commission to End Homelessness and other related meetings • Mind OC, Be Well OC Learning Collaborative quarterly meetings. • The City's full-time Homeless Liaison Officer (HLO) coordinates weekly with the Orange County Healthcare Agency Outreach Case Manager and attends bi-monthly, countywide, HLO meetings where law enforcement representatives discuss best practices and learn about other jurisdictions' shelter operations. Further, a County mental health specialist who serves as a member of the County's Psychiatric Emergency Response Team (PERT), rides along with one of the Newport Beach Police Department's patrol officers. The PERT team member conducts evaluations of persons in the field and takes appropriate action, such as planning follow-up care. The City also often coordinates with agencies such as OCTA, OCSD and other entities on cross-jurisdictional matters related to homelessness.

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 Newport Beach agrees with this finding. Individuals and families experiencing homelessness often encounter delays in securing appropriate permanent housing. Throughout the county, there is a lack of affordable units, particularly one-bedroom units and those designated for older adults.