Agencies Get $9.5 Million in U.S. Homeless Aid

The federal government announced Friday it has awarded a total of $9.5 million to several Orange County social service agencies that fight homelessness.

Officials estimate that there are about 28,000 homeless people in Orange County, a figure 21% higher than last year’s. Orange County homeless coordinator Karen Roper attributed the increase to better statistical reporting and the rising price of housing.

The county has 100 homeless shelters, with 3,372 beds.

Roper said the grant, from the Department of Housing and Urban Development, is slightly less than last year’s $9.7 million but is appreciated nonetheless because the state budget crisis has hurt many nonprofit shelters.

The grant is part of a national competition for $1.27 billion in HUD funding for homeless programs.

“This will help sustain existing shelter programs and build new shelter programs,” Roper said. “We have a long way to go, but we have made so much progress.”

The biggest chunk, $4.3 million, will go to the Orange County Housing Authority for its HUD Section 8 program, to provide rent subsidies for 100 apartments over five years.

“We are thrilled,” Roper said.

Southern California Alcohol and Drug Programs Inc. will receive $1.14 million for its transitional housing and substance abuse treatment programs for homeless women with children.

Roper said the funding will pay for 20 beds in Anaheim for 10 mothers and their children.

The program currently has 45 beds in another facility in that city.

Other recipient agencies include Serving People in Need, Mercy House, Women’s Transitional Living Center, Orange Coast Interfaith Shelter, Thomas House Temporary Shelter, Fullerton Interfaith Emergency Service Inc., Saddleback Community Outreach and Colette’s Children’s Home.

The agencies will use the money over three years to provide beds and programs for homeless people.

In a written statement, Supervisor Tom Wilson said: “Once again Orange County is being recognized by the federal government for our regional approach to help move families and individuals out of homeless and into self-sufficiency.”