Quirk-Silva Appointed to Select Committee on Orange County Chronic Homelessness

(Sacramento, CA) – Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva (D – Orange County) has been appointed Chair of the bipartisan Select Committee on Orange County Chronic Homelessness by Speaker of the Assembly Anthony Rendon (D-Lakewood). Assemblywoman Quirk-Silva’s appointment marks the formation of this committee. Joining Chair Quirk-Silva as committee members, will be Orange County members of the California State Assembly: Cottie Petrie-Norris (D – Laguna Beach), Dr. Steven Choi (R - Irvine), Tyler Diep (R – Huntington Beach), Philip Chen (R – Brea), Bill Brough (R – Dana Point), and more.

“Solving the state’s housing crisis is a priority, and it will demand solutions that are both local and global,” said Speaker Anthony Rendon. “Assemblymember Sharon Quirk-Silva is the ideal person to lead the Legislature’s work to tackle Orange County’s chronic homelessness, and I think her committee’s bipartisan approach will also give us insight into the issues at a state level.”

“I will use my background, experience, and dedication to help get people off the streets in Orange County, give them a roof over their head, and help address the reciprocal public safety implications,” said Quirk-Silva. “There is a lot of work to be done, and we have to constantly strive to do more when confronting the homelessness epidemic in Orange County. I'm glad that my legislative work, and district support, has proved my commitment to this issue, and look forward to my hearings on how we can help Orange County.”

“Homelessness is an urgent and growing crisis in Orange County and I’m dedicating significant time to serving on this Select Committee to focus on pragmatic and evidence-based solutions—particularly addressing mental health and substance abuse treatment,” said Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris.

“Homelessness is a serious challenge that we must work together to help the most vulnerable and I look forward to serving on this committee with my colleagues from Orange County,” said Assemblymember Tyler Diep.

“I am pleased to join my colleague and Chair, Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva on the Select Committee on Orange County Chronic Homelessness to address this most important issue in a bipartisan manner,” stated Assemblyman Steven S. Choi. “Chronic homelessness in Orange County and throughout the state necessitates a thoughtful examination of the corresponding concerns of affordability, economic opportunity, mental wellness, and the role of state and local agencies. I look forward to working together to begin this important discussion.”

Assemblyman Bill Brough commented, “I applaud my colleague for convening this important committee. There is no single solution to help get people off the streets. We need to use the monies the counties have been given, along with the additional money the Governor has proposed, to collaborate with experts and stakeholders who can identify ways to provide mental health, substance abuse, housing, and enforcement solutions to tackle this crisis.”

Assemblywoman Quirk-Silva sought to create the Select Committee to identify further opportunities to strengthen ongoing working relationships with advocates that help the homeless in Orange County and the cities involved. The scope of the committee will focus on the progress that the region has made over the last year, what advocates for the homeless and other industry partners offer, what the state can do to help.

“I encourage all Orange County advocates for the homeless, housing partners throughout the region, public safety officials, and all concerned residents to reach out to my office to hear about ways in which they can participate in future committee hearings,” said Quirk-Silva. “Please call my office in Buena Park, at (714) 521-6505.”

In 2018, a Grand Jury report was released on how Orange County handled homelessness in a document titled “Where There’s a Will, There’s a Way: Housing Orange County’s Chronically Homeless.” The report recommended that local cities work with the County to develop a permanent supportive housing plan that is proportionate to all cities. Federal Judge David O. Carter was tasked with overseeing the progress of these plans. As a State representative, Assemblywoman Quirk-Silva has pledged to assist with the resources, legislation, and funding that may be necessary to combat the homelessness crisis.