Homeless in OC: Long-term housing solutions for a growing population

Brookhurst Community Center, 2271 W Crescent Avenue, Anaheim

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People living near the Santa Ana River Trail move their belongings in preparation for an Orange County law enforcement and public works "sweep" on Thursday, Nov. 12, 2015. Authorities say their aim is to move people out of the way of coming storms. Many homeless individuals have to scramble to find shelter and storage for their personal items to avoid being arrested for camping and having their belongings and animals confiscated.

Orange County’s homeless population has grown by roughly 5 percent over the last two years, according to the county’s last homeless count. Meanwhile, deaths among the homeless are also increasing. KPCC analyzed data from the Orange County Coroner's office that showed at least 181 homeless people died last year; that’s a 53 percent increase since 2013.

In November, Orange County officials reached a milestone in the struggle to end homelessness by approving the first county-run, permanent emergency homeless shelter that will be open year-round. The county has also hired a so-called “homeless czar” who is supposed to coordinate the county’s efforts to house, feed, clothe and serve some of the region’s most vulnerable people.

Steps are underway to find immediate relief to homelessness, but what is being done to address long-term homelessness and housing in Orange County? What is working? What’s not? How are residents affected? And how can we all work together to end homelessness? Join KPCC’s Orange County reporter Erika Aguilar as she moderates a discussion around this ongoing issue.

Guests:

Andrew Do, Orange County Supervisor, District 1

Eve Garrow, policy analyst focusing on homelessness for the ACLU of Southern California in Orange County

Paul Leon, CEO of Illumination Foundation

Dawn Price, Executive Director of the Friendship Shelter

Larry Smith, Civic Center Roundtable Advocate

Additional guests to be announced.