Buena Park, CA - On Oct 24, 2023, the Assembly Select Committee on Orange County Homelessness and Mental Health Services gathered at the Buena Park Community Center to discuss the pressing issues of homelessness and the provision of mental health services in the region.

Prominent attendees included Senator Janet Nguyen, a former State Senator, Assemblywoman, and Vice-President of Government and Public Affairs for a local Chamber of Commerce, and Diane Dixon, a philanthropist with affiliations to several community-based boards including United Way Orange County and YMCA.

Since its inception in January 2022, CalOptima Health has been at the forefront, offering pivotal services to the community. With substantial investments, they have significantly impacted many lives, relying heavily on county providers for service delivery. 

CalAIM Investments

During the meeting, the CalAIM investments were also discussed. These investments are to ensure that care plans have the necessary capacity to connect their members to needed housing services to reduce and prevent homelessness. 

Here are the following investments:

• Permanent and Addordable Housing - 24 organizations, $74M, 1175 units

• Capacity Building -  85 organizations, $17M

• Equity -  32 organizations, $3M

• System Change - 4 organizations, $4M

Chrysalis Workforce Development Program and United Way

A notable initiative discussed was the Chrysalis Workforce Development Program. This program aims to address workforce shortages by focusing on individuals with societal stigmas, such as those previously unhoused or from the justice system. Remarkably, within the first six months, the program successfully found jobs for over 25 individuals.

Furthermore, investments in United Way have been used to create solutions, filling gaps that often hinder individuals from securing housing. This includes seemingly minor but crucial needs like pet registration.

Sisters of St. Joseph Health Care Foundation

Barry Ross from the Sisters of St. Joseph Health Care Foundation shared solutions that they have to address and avoid homelessness. The solutions they provided are the following:

1. Affordable housing including some with services. 

2. Eviction prevention and diversion initiatives.

3. Person-centered coordinated services by name for those on the streets. 

4. Interim transitional housing solution until more permanent housing is available.

Behavioral Health System

Significant investments were also highlighted. The Behavioral Health Bridge Housing received a $31.7 million investment, aiming to add 120 beds for transitional housing. The Behavioral Health Infrastructure Program saw Orange County being awarded $38 million, with $10 million allocated for the Pol campus in Irvine, which will support crisis stabilization units and a sobering center.

There was also the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) which provides funding for permanent supportive housing for individuals who are living with serious mental illness and are experiencing homelessness or at risk. 

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the assembly reiterated that homeless individuals are not the problem but are, in fact, a manifestation of broader societal challenges. The County Behavioral Health System continues to play a pivotal role, providing specialty services and acting as a safety net for those without coverage.

The assembly concluded with a call to action, urging stakeholders to address these challenges head-on and work collaboratively towards creating a more inclusive and supportive Orange County.

Select Committee Members: 

Here are some of the Select Committee Members that you can contact if you are from Orange County and is experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness. 

Sharion Quirk-Silva (Chair) Dem - 67

• Capitol Office, 1021 O Street, Suite 4210, Sacramento, CA 95814

• P.O. Box 942849, Sacramento, CA 94249-0067; (916) 319-2067

• Click here to contact 

Laurie Davies Rep - 74

• Capitol Office, 1021 O Street, Suite 4720, Sacramento, CA 95814

• P.O. Box 942849, Sacramento, CA 94249-0074; (916) 319-2074

• Click here to contact

Diane Dixon Rep - 72

• Capitol Office, 1021 O Street, Suite 5330, Sacramento, CA 95814

• P.O. Box 942849, Sacramento, CA 94249-0072; (916) 319-2072

• Click here to contact