“City of Fullerton’s Approach to Homelessness Support and Public Safety”

The City of Fullerton has put in place a set of municipal codes (FMC 9.12.230, FMC 8.40.010, and FMC 7.108) for the enforcement of camping and obstructing in public areas. These codes serve as a foundation for the city’s commitment to addressing homelessness while also ensuring public safety and maintaining community quality of life.

The Fullerton Police Department has reaffirmed its dedication to supporting individuals experiencing homelessness. It aims to strike a balance between addressing the needs of the homeless population and upholding the expectations of safety and well-being within the community. Through collaborative efforts with various stakeholders, innovative outreach initiatives, and appropriate enforcement, the City of Fullerton seeks to tackle homelessness while respecting the dignity and rights of all individuals in the community. In line with its commitment, the City of Fullerton provides a range of resources to support those experiencing homelessness.

The Fullerton Police Department works closely with the HOPE Center, a crucial partner in this endeavor. The HOPE Center has the capability to dispatch mobile homeless outreach units staffed with social workers, mental health professionals, homeless liaison officers, and community service providers to locations across the region. This ensures that individuals in need receive the necessary support. The city also employs a Homeless Outreach Coordinator and participates in the Fullerton Navigation/Recuperative Care Center, while collaborating with shelters in neighboring cities.

Moreover, developments in legal rulings have impacted the city’s approach to enforcing public camping ordinances. In 2019, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in Martin vs. Boise that cities could not enforce public camping ordinances against homeless individuals when the number of homeless individuals exceeded the number of “practically available” shelter beds.

However, on June 28, 2024, the United States Supreme Court overturned this decision, allowing cities to enforce local anti-camping ordinances once again. The ruling emphasized the role of public camping regulations as a tool for local governments to uphold public health and safety without unjustly targeting homeless individuals. This decision underscores the complex balance between the rights of homeless individuals and broader community interests.

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