of Laguna City of*

South Orange County SPA cities lack low-threshold emergency shelters resulting in more homeless encampments and individuals living on the streets. Response: The City disagrees partially with this finding. The City agrees that the South Orange County Service Planning Area has fewer low-threshold emergency shelters than other service planning areas in Orange County, but disagrees that the availability of emergency shelters alone results in more homeless encampments and individuals living on the streets. The City notes that Orange County's 2022 Point in Time Count identified a total of 422 individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness within the South Orange County Service Planning Area, compared to 538 in 2019; a decrease of 21.56%.

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 disagrees wholly with this finding. The City has not inconsistently collaborated for support of shelters and services, and notes that the Grand Jury's report includes no examples of alleged inconsistency. The City is not in a position to opine on efforts by the County of Orange or other cities.

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 agrees with this finding.