Orange County’s new public camping ordinance bans sleeping on public grounds, leaving many homeless individuals with even fewer options. With shelter beds in short supply and challenges like mental illness, criminal records, and lack of stable employment making housing access even harder, the Samaritan Resource Center has seen a dramatic increase in those seeking help.

While local government and nonprofits have invested in solutions like Housing First and job training programs, the need far outweighs the resources available. Community involvement is critical—through volunteering, advocacy, and supporting initiatives that provide long-term stability. Upcoming town hall meetings will bring together leaders and residents to explore real solutions. It’s clear we can’t arrest our way out of homelessness. The question is: how do we move forward as a community?