Since 1998 the County of Orange has coordinated a comprehensive regional Continuum of Care (CoC) strategy that includes the participation of all thirty-four cities in Orange County, County Agencies, the County’s homeless housing and service providers, and other community groups (including non-profits, local governmental agencies, faith-based organizations, the homeless and formerly homeless, interested business leaders, schools, and many other stakeholders) to identify the gaps and unmet needs of the County’s homeless. Due to the collaborative efforts of the Continuum of Care System and the public/private partnerships that have developed, Orange County has been awarded over $169.9 million in SuperNOFA Continuum of Care Homeless Assistance Grant funds from 1996-2012.
The Orange County Ten-Year Plan to End Homelessness (The Plan) is the product of integrated community collaboration. The Plan establishes regional goals and strategies necessary for ending homelessness over the next decade. The Commission to End Homelessness provides oversight and accountability for the implementation of the goals and strategies as defined in the Ten-Year Plan.
In addition to organizing, delivering and reporting on housing and services for people who are experiencing homelessness, CoCs are required to complete a Point-In-Time (PIT) count of unsheltered homeless at least once every two years & sheltered annually during the last ten days in January. Data from the one-night PIT count and the longitudinal data collected by the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) are the primary sources used to measure the progress in meeting the national strategic goal of preventing and ending homelessness.
Armory Emergency Shelter
The Orange County Armory Emergency Shelter is a seasonal program operated by Mercy House and provides up to 400 beds per night for the homeless at the California National Guard Armories in Fullerton and Santa Ana. The program provides shelter to families and individuals along with a nutritious meal, warm shower, safe place to sleep, warm clothes, a wide variety of supportive services, and a friendly and safe atmosphere.
