KEY FINDINGS

There are many resources available along the pathway to self-sufficiency; however, it is critically important to deploy resources in a systematic manner to have the greatest success. Those experiencing homelessness generally have faced tremendous barriers and rejection in successfully obtaining resources. The system of care must respond by re-creating how services are navigated to enhance places where people can access the system, assure small successes along the pathway to encourage continued participation with the outcome of stabilized housing, and increase income and improve overall health.

Below is brief synopsis of some key findings regarding services across Orange County geographically, with the jurisdiction of the County of Orange and specific to Orange County’s Continuum of Care. More information about homelessness in Orange County can be found on page 17.

 Orange County has a large and diverse population, where services, housing availability and affordability, and other resource barriers exist due to lack of regional and localized coordination.  Countywide resource coordination is fragmented and not easily navigated by those experiencing homelessness.  Committed stakeholders are not working across sectors and jurisdictions to produce shared outcomes.

 Specialized residential treatment facilities for acute mental health as well as detoxification units for substance abuse are limited in scope and unable to meet current needs.  Legislative changes within the Criminal Justice/Corrections, health care and Continuum of Care systems have not been fully integrated and matched with necessary resource development to effectively address need.

 HMIS software utilized by the Continuum of Care is not able to meet the basic functional requirements of HUD for Coordinated Entry System implementation, including identifying daily shelter bed availability for outreach teams, supporting virtual coordination of services and monitoring duplication of efforts.  The existing inventory of emergency shelter, transitional housing and permanent housing resources is insufficient to meet current needs in the County.  Of emergency shelter resources, 71% are for families, single mothers or pregnant women. The County of Orange has built a safety net for homeless females with children, and there are few resources for single men and women who are chronically homeless.