My office has taken large strides in addressing the concerns of housing and homelessness with Orange County residents, businesses, non-profits, and city & county appointees. To help address our issue of homelessness with a responsible and multifaceted approach, we continue to have open dialogue and meetings to find ways to bring practical and positive solutions.
As Chair of the Orange County Chronic Homeless Committee, I understand there are many roadblocks to providing housing for the county’s growing population of chronically homeless people. With that in mind, I want to take a holistic approach and examine different ways to help the community. There is no one simple answer to address such a complex problem. Therefore, I am exploring a strategic plan to address the homeless housing shortage. As a mother, teacher, assemblywoman, and a resident I believe it is time for all of us to take an active approach in improving our housing and homelessness crisis here in orange county.
I take pride in listening to input from everyone. I invite you to reach out and let your voice be heard, as well. Please, leave us your thoughts.
Legislative Updates
2019-2020: Fairview Mobile Home Bill (AB 2895): Any local agency or nonprofit affordable housing sponsor that wishes to be considered a priority buyer of the state real property known as the Fairview Developmental Center, located at 2501 Harbor Blvd in Costa Mesa, Orange County, which has been declared to be surplus state real property pursuant to Section 11011, shall, in addition to the requirements of Section 11011.1, demonstrate to the department that the property, or a portion of that property, will be used by the local agency or nonprofit affordable housing sponsor for the development of projects that create sustainable employment opportunities of benefit to the area and region in which the property is located. Notwithstanding any other law, the state real property known as Fairview Developmental Center, located at 2501 Harbor Blvd in Costa Mesa, Orange County,, which has been declared to be surplus state real property pursuant to Section 11011, shall not be pre-zoned, zoned, or rezoned unless the Department of General Services requests that the property be rezoned or approves the rezoning of the property.
2017-2018: Homelessness in OC (Assembly Bill 448): The funding of an existing shelter is just one of the steps that need be taken to help address the homelessness crisis in Orange County. We should take a regional approach by establishing a collaborative agency for support and communication. This agency is to consist of Orange County cities, the County of Orange, local businesses and philanthropists, to come up with sites and funding for permanent supportive housing units. That is why I have joined my fellow Assemblyman Tom Daly in authoring legislation (Assembly Bill 448) to establish an agency consisting of these local, concerned entities. This agency would provide construction of supportive housing units.
We must build on a relationship of trust within our community, and demonstrate this is a sound solution by utilizing state and local resources. The priority is public safety and helping the less fortunate get back on their feet. Housing that is not temporary, like a shelter, coupled with support programs is just another proven way to confront homelessness. We must continue to examine different approaches to improving our communities in Orange County.
Housing/Homelessness Updates:
Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week
November 16-24, 2019 is Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week. This week draws attention to the issue and seriousness of hunger and homelessness in our communities, state and across the country. Even though the campaign is only a week-long, the lessons and programs started, can be a year-round initiative for all. In our community, United to End Homelessness remains steadfast in its goal to end homelessness for good in Orange County. They currently house people through the #WelcomeHomeOC program, which partners with landlords in OC to rent to people who are homeless with housing vouchers. The program is now expanding to former foster youth – individuals between the ages of 18 and 24, who have aged out of the foster care system and are homeless or at-risk of becoming homeless. To learn more about the United to End Homelessness and ways you can help, please visit
EXPLORING SOLUTIONS IN A VARIETY OF WAYS
FUNDING
In further efforts to bring state funds back to the people of Orange County, my office secured $5 million from the 2018-19 State Budget’s Building Homes and Jobs Trust Fund to assist persons experiencing homelessness. The funds will be used to expand bed and support services for the homeless at the Bridges at Kraemer Place emergency shelter in Orange County.
With these funds, the Bridges at Kraemer Place will serve hundreds of men, women and children of north Orange County. Supporting a proven successful shelter, already in operation, is the logical first approach to confront the complicated issue of homelessness. Bridges at Kraemer Place in Anaheim has added services to help transition transients into more stable, long-term housing.
It provides more than an emergency shelter. Homeless people have to be referred and screened for outstanding warrantsto get into Kraemer’s 24-hour shelter. Sex offenders are not allowed. Public safety is paramount.
There needs to be beds for people in responsible shelters, such as Kraemer Place. Supporting these shelters with a proven success rate will ease the burden put on emergency shelters and our neighborhood streets in times of crisis.
LEGISLATION
2017-2018: The funding of an existing shelter is just one of the steps that need be taken to help address the homelessness crisis in Orange County. We should take a regional approach by establishing a collaborative agency for support and communication. This agency is to consist of Orange County cities, the County of Orange, local businesses and philanthropists, to come up with sites and funding for permanent supportive housing units. That is why I have joined my fellow Assemblyman Tom Daly in authoring legislation (Assembly Bill 448) to establish an agency consisting of these local, concerned entities. This agency would provide construction of supportive housing units.
We must build on a relationship of trust within our community, and demonstrate this is a sound solution by utilizing state and local resources. The priority is public safety and helping the less fortunate get back on their feet. Housing that is not temporary, like a shelter, coupled with support programs is just another proven way to confront homelessness. We must continue to examine different approaches to improving our communities in Orange County.
MEDIATION
As a community, the most detrimental thing we can do amid this crisis is cease communication. This is why I have focused a great deal of my attention on thoughtful and necessary mediation between state and local officials. That is why I urged the governor to extend the National Guard Armory Shelter Program in Orange County.
As long as these emergency shelters remain necessary contingencies, I will continue to work between the state’s officials and our community leaders to ensure we are doing what we can for relief. It is not the time to turn our backs on some of the most vulnerable members of our community. Many cities continue to come together to find suitable locations for alternative shelters. Due to this unprecedented influx of additional homeless, it is crucial that emergency shelters continue to be open. It is just another reasonable and humane step to help homeless individuals and gives government officials more time to develop long-term solutions. Solving the homeless crisis will take cooperative actions at every level.
By LOS ANGELES TIMES, June 15, 2018
By NICK GERDA AND THY VO, June 13, 2018
By GREG LEE, May 28, 2018
By THE TIMES EDITORIAL BOARD, April 10, 2018