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Homelessness Prevention, Intervention and Mitigation Plan <br />September 19, 2017 <br />Page 2 <br />On September 12, 2017, the Public Safety, Code Enforcement and Neighborhood Empowerment <br />Council Committee recommended that the City Council approve the new position and <br />recommended staff actions. In addition, the Committee requested that staff further consider <br />additional resources for mental health personnel to collaborate with the Santa Ana Police <br />Department seven days a week. <br />DISCUSSION <br />Santa Ana is experiencing an escalating number of homeless individuals living within the City <br />primarily concentrated in the Civic Center and the Santa Ana Riverbed and spilling over into <br />neighborhoods and business districts. This crisis is not unique to Santa Ana. Cities throughout <br />Orange County and Southern California are struggling with finding the methods and resources to <br />respond compassionately to the homeless population while protecting the health and safety of <br />residents, businesses, and visitors. Santa Ana has taken steps in the past to respond to the <br />challenges. <br />In October 2014 the City adopted amendments to the Civic Center Joint Powers Agreement <br />between the City of Santa Ana and the County of Orange to enhance the Civic Center <br />maintenance of buildings and facilities with in Civic Center. On September 6, 2016, the Santa <br />Ana City Council adopted Resolution # 2016-073 to seek assistance and support from other cities <br />and the County of Orange, and on September 20, 2016 adopted the Civic Center Safety and <br />Security Enhancement Program that added resources for enforcement and cleaning in the Civic <br />Center. <br />Additionally, the City Council approves the allocation of resources each year for the Police <br />Department, Community Development Agency, Public Works Agency and Parks and Recreation <br />Agency to fund law enforcement, homeless services, and the overall city response to the health <br />and safety impacts of the homeless crisis. The City's contract with Orange County Fire Authority <br />also includes resources for providing care and transport for homeless individuals needing <br />medical attention. <br />Even with these current city efforts, the homeless population continues to grow. According to the <br />Orange County Point -in -Time Count Results conducted in January 2017, homelessness <br />increased in Orange County by 7.6% from 2015 to 2017: <br />Oran a County Point -in -Time Count Results: <br />55C-2 <br />2013 <br />2015 <br />2017 <br />Total Point -in- <br />4,251 <br />4,452 <br />4,792 <br />Time Count # <br />55C-2 <br />