Beverly, Valerie, Joe, and Randall from the Early February 2020 article HOMELESS CRISIS HAS MANY FACES IN FULLERTON. Photos by Mike Ritto
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 Orange County, 378 homeless individuals lost their lives—a grim statistic that advocates argue should be a wake-up call for local officials.
Advocates say that they have repeatedly reached out to the Fullerton Intrim 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,” one volunteer who has witnessed firsthand the realities of homelessness during the 2024 Point-In-Time count. Another volunteer notes that many individuals on the streets are over 55 years old, making them particularly susceptible to cold exposure and severe weather.
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. Cutis Gamble has repeatedly asked the City Council to allow OCTA bus drivers to direct the homeless to the shelter and to establish a bus stop in front of or near the shelter. This would also allow the homeless to have some autonomy and relieve the shelter of the burden of transportation to and from the shelter.
As temperatures drop, the urgency for action is clear. Community members are encouraged to contact local officials, including the Mayor and City Council, to address this humanitarian issue before it worsens. The loss of lives due to inaction is unacceptable.
• Mayor District 1: Fred Jung
(714) 738-6311
fred.jung@cityoffullerton.com
(714) 738-6311
fred.jung@cityoffullerton.com
• Mayor Pro Tem District 3:
Dr. Shana Charles
(714) 738-6311
shana.charles@cityoffullerton.com
• District 2: Nicholas Dunlap
(714) 738-6311
nicholas.dunlap@cityoffullerton.com
(714) 738-6311
nicholas.dunlap@cityoffullerton.com
• District 4: Jamie Valencia
(714) 738-6311
jamie.valencia@cityoffullerton.com
• District 5: Dr. Ahmad Zahra
(714) 738-6311
ahmadz@cityoffullerton.com
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Categories: Health, Local Government, Local News
I want our town to open a barrier-free cold weather shelter for people living on the street like we used to do at the armory every year especially because all the current shelters are full and we still have some people with nowhere to go.
I bet you do.
I live behind the armory and can tell you horror stories from years of having to deal with this. How about it’s your turn?
Post your address here and we can send them your way.
Mike – I agree the next shelters built should be in North Fullerton. Regardless something needs to be done to house those unable to fend for themselves. Creating an “underclass” with nothing left to lose is bad for everyone. And ignoring the issue is more expensive than actually creating housing for them. Read the UCI study on costs of homelessness.