Garden Grove's City Council has taken significant strides in addressing homelessness, as highlighted in their recent meeting on July 8, 2025. The council approved a comprehensive action plan for the fiscal year 2025-2026, marking the first year of a five-year strategy aimed at reducing homelessness in the city.

Timothy Throne presented the action plan, which is built around four key goals: enhancing community communication, improving service delivery, leveraging partnerships and resources, and enhancing the quality of life for residents. Each goal includes specific action items and measurable objectives to ensure accountability and progress.

Among the notable initiatives, the city plans to update its homelessness webpage, develop a partner satisfaction survey, and share success stories to raise community awareness. Additionally, the action plan includes ongoing contract management for service providers, monthly meetings with service providers, and the launch of a client satisfaction survey in collaboration with Volunteers of America Los Angeles (VOALA).

The council also celebrated the one-year anniversary of the Central Cities Navigation Center (CCNC), which has provided essential services to individuals experiencing homelessness. The center has served 342 clients, with 222 being Garden Grove residents. Success stories from the center include individuals who have transitioned to stable housing and employment, showcasing the effectiveness of the city's approach.

Council members expressed pride in the city's 39% reduction in homelessness, a remarkable achievement compared to trends in other California cities. They emphasized the importance of continuing to provide compassionate support and resources to those in need while acknowledging the challenges that remain.

The council's commitment to transparency was also discussed, with suggestions to share not only successes but also challenges faced in the implementation of the homelessness strategy. This approach aims to foster community engagement and gather input on potential solutions.

As Garden Grove moves forward with its action plan, the city remains focused on collaboration, data-informed decision-making, and enhancing the overall quality of life for its residents. The council's proactive measures signal a strong commitment to addressing homelessness and supporting vulnerable populations in the community.