Costa Mesa Homeless Task Force

In 2011, the City Council approved the formation of a task force in response to a series of issues related to the homeless population in Lions Park and surrounding areas of the Westside.

The Homeless Task Force documented the issues encountered within the park in its final report, such as alcohol and drug consumption, verbal and physical altercations, and the intimated presence perceived to be associated with homeless individuals.

At the same time, Vanguard University was commissioned to conduct a study designed to quantify both the number of chronic homeless, as well as the services needed.  The assessment determined that there were at least 120 people sleeping on the streets of Costa Mesa during any given evening.  Seventy-four percent of the chronic homeless were male while 31 percent reported mental issues, and 63 percent report alcohol abuse. 

The combination of efforts led to the development of a strategic frame work of priorities based on the 12 months period of education and research conducted by the Homeless Task Force.  A series of nine goals and objectives were adopted:

1. Define who is a Costa Mesa homeless resident.
2. Protect the health and safety of Costa Mesa residents through enforcement of civility laws and provisions of alternate storage facility.
3. Institute proactive problem resolution with regards to high crime/vice motels which cater to transient population, and enforce of local codes and ordinances at problem recovery homes.
4. Centralize homeless service coordination.
5. Integrate law enforcement, mental health, and legal strategies in a coordinated approach to homelessness.
6. Create permanent supportive housing and possible access center.
7. Review interim housing option.
8. Develop appropriate metrics system to monitor reduction of homeless.
9. Promote Lions Parks as a local venue for special events.

Strategy to Address Homelessness

Regardless of the circumstances, according to the Orange County Ten Year Plan to End Homelessness, a mission that seeks to end homelessness must provide a road map and a process to support individual success and a rationale to justify modifications to the current service delivery system.

Since the initial study, the City has proactively focused on developing a program for those who have been identified as Costa Mesa homeless residents, and have made strides toward substantially reducing homelessness by:

• Seeking housing for our residents;
• Creating a social service registry;
• Working with a homeless enforcement team consisting of public safety personnel, fire personnel, code enforcement officers, and other city staff;
• Working with businesses and property owners regarding issues of unwanted persons or criminal activity on commercial properties;
• Hiring outreach workers to work closely with the homeless; and
• Coordinating and supporting a network of nonprofit and faith-based organizations that meets weekly to work toward the mutual goals of ending homelessness in Costa Mesa.

Network for Homeless Solutions

The Network for Homeless Solutions, which evolved from the Homeless Task Force, addresses homelessness in Costa Mesa under the jurisdiction of the City Manager's Office. 

Based on the findings of the Homeless Task Force, the City has undertaken a collaborative approach to service delivery, which has led to the development of a strategic framework of priorities tailored to Costa Mesa’s specific context. The Network for Homeless Solutions implements a range of strategies, including street outreach, prevention, rehabilitation, housing assistance, and volunteer coordination.

In January 2018, a federal court established a new expectation requiring Costa Mesa to provide emergency shelter beds. To justify the court and allow Costa Mesa to enforce its local anti-camping laws, the City set up a temporary shelter at the Lighthouse Church.

In March 2019, the City Council approved the purchase of a 26,000 square foot building at 3175 Airway Avenue. In March 2021, $4.5 million worth of capital improvements required to convert the industrial warehouse in to a 72 bed shelter and 14,000 square foot rentable tenant space was completed.

The City of Newport Beach entered into a partnership with the City and provided a one-time payment of $1.4 million in capital costs as well as $200,000 in furniture, fixtures and equipment for the site. The City of Newport Beach provides $1 million annually for 20 set aside beds.

The Bridge Shelter opened its doors in April 2021.