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:
LATEST NEWS
