Residents and advocates gathered at a recent Orange County Board of Supervisors meeting to voice their concerns over the proposed budget, highlighting a significant disparity in funding allocations that they argue exacerbates the homelessness crisis in the region.

During the meeting, several speakers shared personal stories and statistics that underscored the urgent need for affordable housing. A Santa Ana resident recounted attending a community presentation where participants expressed a shared fear of becoming unhoused, emphasizing that many are just one paycheck away from losing their homes. This sentiment was echoed by policy analyst Eve Garrow, who pointed out that homelessness in Orange County has surged by 28% over the past two years, with over 500 individuals dying on the streets last year.

Garrow criticized the proposed budget, which allocates only 34 cents per resident for affordable housing, in stark contrast to the $102 per resident designated for the sheriff's department and jails. She argued that the current budget prioritizes law enforcement over essential services that could alleviate homelessness and improve community health. Megan Dietz, an intern with the ACLU, reinforced this message, calling for a shift in funding towards community-based initiatives that focus on prevention and mental health support rather than criminalization.

Carlos Perea, executive director of the Harvard Institute for Immigrant Economic Justice, urged the board to enhance community engagement in the budget process and to maintain and expand attorney positions in the public defender's office to better serve immigrant residents facing legal challenges.

The speakers collectively called for a budget that reflects the needs of the community, advocating for increased investment in housing and social services. They urged the board to consider placing a countywide affordable housing bond measure on the ballot, allowing residents to have a say in addressing the housing crisis.

As the meeting concluded, the message was clear: community members are demanding a budget that prioritizes dignity and support for all residents, particularly those facing homelessness and housing insecurity.