With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today .
Homelessness Spikes Sharply In Orange County, According To Latest Count
An encampment in front of a Santa Ana courthouse.
(
Kirk Siegler
/
NPR
)
Topline:
Orange County’s unhoused population has jumped 28% total since the last count in 2022, according to details released by officials on Wednesday.
The details: The biennial point in time count, which took place in January, tallied 7,322 people experiencing homelessness in Orange County, more than half of whom were unsheltered.
Many of the unsheltered adults have ties to the area. More than half have family there, and nearly two thirds — or 1,538 people — currently work or have worked in the county.
Support for LAist comes from
Of the total, 869 unhoused people were 62 years or older, 328 were veterans, and 308 were transitional aged youth.
Why the increase: O.C. officials said in a summary that it's difficult to pinpoint why the unhoused population has grown, but safeguards like the county’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program and the eviction moratorium from the COVID era weren’t available this time around.
Why now: The U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development requires point in time counts of people experiencing homelessness at least every other year.
Go deeper: Read the results of the previous point in time count.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The historic properties have been sitting vacant for decades and were put on the market as-is, with prices ranging from $750,000 to $1.75 million. -
Users of the century old Long Beach wooden boardwalk give these suggestions to safely enjoy it. -
The Newport Beach City Council approved a new artificial surf park that will replace part of an aging golf course. -
The utility, whose equipment is believed to have sparked the Eaton Fire, says payouts could come as quickly as four months after people submit a claim. But accepting the money means you'll have to forego any lawsuits. -
The City Council will vote Tuesday on a proposal to study raising the pay for construction workers on apartments with at least 10 units and up to 85 feet high. -
The study found recipients spent nearly all the money on basic needs like food and transportation, not drugs or alcohol.
Best of LAist