In Fullerton, CA, the harsh realities faced by the homeless community are becoming increasingly dire as temperatures are set to dip into the 40s this week. Local outreach volunteers, including those conducting weekly initiatives at the Fullerton Transportation Center, are raising alarms about the urgent need for a temporary cold-weather shelter—especially given the chilling history of the location, which is marked by the tragic death of homeless man Kelly Thomas at the hands of police in 2011.

Since the summer of 2024, advocates have reached out repeatedly to the Fullerton City Manager, the Chief of Police, the Housing Manager, and various case management organizations in their quest for support. However, their efforts have mostly been met with promises that lead to inaction. The city frequently cites the county as the barrier to establishing such shelters, while the county points back to the cities, creating a frustrating cycle of bureaucratic deflection that leaves the most vulnerable populations without adequate protection.

“Lives hang in the balance. People will die,” emphasizes one volunteer who has witnessed firsthand the realities of homelessness during the 2024 Point-In-Time count. This volunteer highlights that many of the individuals on the streets are over 55 years old, making them particularly susceptible to cold exposure and severe weather conditions.

Existing shelters in the area operate under a “no walk-up, reservation only” policy, which critics argue is inhumane, especially given their frequently full capacity and lengthy waiting lists. The National Weather Service has issued warnings that individuals exposed to temperatures between 30 and 50 degrees are at risk of death from hypothermia. Last year, in Fullerton alone, 28 homeless individuals lost their lives—a grim statistic that advocates argue should be a wake-up call for local officials.

Adding to the urgency, rain is forecasted for next Monday, potentially increasing the risk of exposure-related fatalities by 40%. “This is not just a number; these are lives lost, stories untold,” the volunteer asserts, echoing the sentiments of many advocates who feel the city and county are neglecting their duty to protect the most vulnerable citizens.

Despite having the necessary funding available and several approved SB2 zones ready for temporary shelter locations, the process of establishing these necessary facilities continues to be stalled. Operators are eager to manage the shelters, leaving many to wonder what exactly is causing the delay.

The pressing question remains: what is a homeless person’s life worth in Orange County? As temperatures plunge and rain approaches, the community is left waiting for action from local government officials to prevent further tragedies and uphold the dignity of those without shelter. The time for action is now; lives depend on it.

Thank you to Leigh White of Fullerton for some of the information in this article.