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How is Orange County Addressing Homelessness? <br />A homeless man hanging out at a volunteer organization that provides food and assistance to the <br />homeless described his experience in Orange. He stated that because he did not have a home, he <br />was constantly stopped and harassed by the police, both physically and mentally. He believed that <br />the Be Well Center was just a trick to get people off the streets. They would 5150 (72-hour mental <br />health hold) everyone referred to their program and no one ever saw them again. <br />2. Outreach — Outreach efforts of CoC non-profit contractors resulted in successful exits from <br />homelessness to shelter increasing about 33 percent from 2,245 in 2019 to 2,994 in 2021. In <br />that period, outreach efforts by non -profits seeking to build trust with homeless individuals <br />resulted in the doubling of client contacts, to over 10,000 a year. Increasing client contacts, <br />building trust, and successful entrance into shelter are measures of successful outreach <br />programs. <br />Some people believe that chronically homeless individuals do not want permanent housing <br />and are resistant to programs. While this may be true in some cases, the OCGJ learned <br />several reasons for this resistance, including: <br />• Individuals who lack trust in outreach program staff due to promises previously broken. <br />• Substance abusers who are not ready for treatment. <br />• Mentally ill individuals who lack awareness of their illness. <br />• Individuals who fear for their safety in shelters or housing. <br />• Individuals who do not like the rule that forbids walking in and out of the shelter and <br />require access by arranged transportation only. <br />The OCGJ learned from law enforcement and shelter officials that there were not enough <br />rehabilitation and treatment facilities and services to meet the need of homeless Orange County <br />residents suffering from mentally illness or substance abuse. <br />12000 <br />10000 <br />8000 <br />6000 <br />4000 <br />2000 <br />0 <br />2019 <br />Outreach Performance <br />O Client Contacts <br />10,705 <br />7532 <br />' 2636 2 <br />2020 <br />o Successfully Sheltered <br />2021 <br />Source: 211 OC, HMIS data, 2019-21 <br />2021-2022 Orange County Grand Jury Page 9 <br />City Council 16 — 13 8/2/2022 <br />