Although City staff provides regional referrals, city resources are primarily targeted to Costa Mesa homeless residents as defined here. The City's strategy is focused at the local level. By assisting long-time residents who have become homeless, the City believes it is acting responsibly and is contributing its share to addressing homelessness.

In order to measure the progress made towards the transition of a homeless individual into permanent housing, the City of Costa Mesa established a homeless registry comprised of individuals who are Costa Mesa homeless residents. The system allows City outreach workers to provide services efficiently with homeless individuals by keeping comprehensive records and case files to aid in case management.

Additionally, grant funds received by the City for homeless programs are prioritized for Costa Mesa homeless residents who are either working closely and/or referred by City outreach workers.

The City also contracts with several service providers that take referrals for Costa Mesa residents. Please call (714) 754-4977 for additional information.