
Addressing the Issue of Homelessness in Orange County
Irvine is one of thirty-four cities in Orange County — and our
County Board of Supervisors is responsible for addressing homelessness and many
other social challenges faced by people who live throughout the county. We are,
by any measure, a fortunate community. From “Safest City in America” to one of
the “Best Cities to Live In,” we have much to be proud of. But like all
communities, our residents face the adverse impacts of social challenges — from
homelessness and addiction, to mental illness and suicide. Even students at UCI
are finding themselves accessing the on-campus food pantry and sleeping in
their cars due to economic hardship. This is a serious matter. As leaders, we
must acknowledge these challenges rather than turning a blind eye or burying
our heads in the sand.
I am not an advocate of tent cities being created throughout
Orange County and opposed the action of the Orange County Board of Supervisors
when they sought to create such an installation at the Great Park. That said,
as an active volunteer and leader in a compassionate interfaith community, I
have seen first hand the consequences of neglecting to address the issue of
homelessness in a responsible manner. Orange County leaders must all be at the
table crafting solutions that are humane and focused on the distinct but
interrelated needs of this population. County funds must be targeted at the
most vulnerable as well as those who might more rapidly be rehoused and
returned to self-sufficiency. This will
take a collaborative approach, involving county and city leaders, social
service agencies, law enforcement and the non-profit community.
That being said, we are at a junction where if we don’t take a
leadership role now, we will be handed a judgement that may not be favorable for
us.