Garden Grove Council discusses housing vouchers and homelessness progress

Garden Grove City Council has taken significant steps to address housing needs in the community during their recent meeting on June 10, 2025. The council discussed the ongoing challenges residents face in accessing housing assistance, particularly through the federal voucher program.

Council member Philip Nguyen highlighted the long-standing requests from residents for more housing support, noting that many have been waiting for over a decade. He commended the city staff for their diligent efforts in tracking and assisting residents, even those who have moved out of Garden Grove. This commitment to service was recognized as crucial in ensuring that residents receive the help they need.

A key point of discussion was the portability of housing vouchers, which allows eligible individuals to use their vouchers in other cities. This federal program enables residents to seek housing options beyond Garden Grove, but it does not increase the number of available vouchers for new applicants. Staff clarified that while the city has a set allocation of vouchers, the turnover rate affects how many can be issued to new applicants. Currently, the city anticipates being able to issue approximately three new vouchers per month, with expectations to open the waiting list in about three years.

The council also celebrated a significant achievement: Garden Grove has reportedly eliminated homelessness among veterans in the area, a milestone that reflects the city’s commitment to addressing housing insecurity.

As the meeting concluded, the council expressed gratitude for the staff's hard work and dedication to improving housing access for residents. The ongoing efforts to manage the housing voucher program and the anticipated opening of the waiting list signal a proactive approach to tackling the housing crisis in Garden Grove. The council's actions and discussions underscore the importance of continued support for residents in need of housing assistance.