Stigmas Surrounding Homelessness
Homelessness is a major problem nationwide.
More than 187,000 people in California — from all walks of life — experience homelessness on any given night, and a series of systemic and social factors lead them there. People who are couch-surfing or living in an RV are still experiencing homelessness; they do not have a home to call their own.
Protecting Unhoused People
Affordable housing should be the top priority.
- 121,434 low-income renter households in Orange County do not have access to an affordable home.
- State and federal funding for housing production and preservation in Orange County is $249 million, a 50% increase from the year prior.
- 81% of extremely low-income (ELI) households in Orange County are paying more than half of their income on housing costs compared to 3% of moderate-income households.
- In 2024 in Orange County, there were only 4,679 beds available in the interim housing supply for persons experiencing homelessness.
- Renters in Orange County need to earn $54.94 per hour – 3.3 times the state minimum wage – to afford the average monthly asking rent of $2,857.
The OC Grand Jury
REPORTS
Each county is required by law to impanel a body of 23 or 19 Grand Jury members, depending on county population, to serve for a term of one year. The OC Grand Jury is mandated to investigate and report on both criminal and civil matters within the county. The major functions of an OC Grand Jury are divided into criminal indictments and civil investigations. The civil, or “watchdog” responsibilities of the OC Grand Jury include the examination of all aspects of county government, including special districts, to ensure the county is being governed honestly and efficiently and county monies are being handled appropriately.
These reports, with appropriate recommendations, include all studies and investigations conducted by the OC Grand Jury during its term. Grand jury reports are available at the Orange County Law Library and or click here for a list of reports online.
Join Us
If you would like more information about how to volunteer with HHROC, please email us at: [email protected]
