Stanton reports December outreach activity and council renews local emergency declaration for homelessness

Stanton — City staff reported on outreach work for December 2024 and the City Council voted to continue a local emergency proclamation tied to homelessness during the consent calendar on Jan. 14.

At the start of the meeting staff described the monthly outreach report and said it documents the city team’s proactive and responsive contacts with people experiencing homelessness. The council then approved, as a consent item, a continuance of the proclamation that an emergency condition exists due to homelessness.

Why it matters: The report and the continued proclamation signal ongoing city-directed outreach and a formal recognition the city is maintaining emergency authorities tied to the homelessness crisis.

What staff reported: The presentation — identified in the transcript as a public safety department outreach report — covered December 2024 activity. Staff said the team conducted 76 proactive total client encounters in December, including 5 new client engagements, and received 103 contacts from homeless individuals, advocates, service providers and the Orange County Sheriff's Department for assistance and coordination. Staff described services the outreach team provides: needs assessment, shelter referrals and offers, storage of personal property at the city yard for people seeking shelter, debris removal and sanitation, and direct contact information for the outreach coordinator for residents and businesses.

The report gave specific outcome counts: staff said 99 offers of shelter were declined in December; one person missed a shelter intake appointment; one person was placed in interim housing; two people received emergency motel assistance; one was connected to mainstream benefit assistance; and two were connected with mental-health services. Staff listed high-priority areas for outreach in December as Beach Boulevard at Chapman, Beach Boulevard at Lampson, Beach Boulevard at Acacia Avenue, Western and Cerritos, and Tina Pacific.

The presentation included two success stories: outreach coordinators assisted with family reunification (including arranging Greyhound transportation after confirming housing availability) and bridged a couple to interim motel support and then to placement at the Buena Park Navigation Center, where they will receive ongoing case management.

Council action: Item 9h, a continuance of the proclamation of the existence of a local emergency caused by the homelessness crisis, was moved and passed by voice vote. The staff report indicated the city continues code enforcement, public-works cleanup and contract enforcement with the Orange County Sheriff's Department for violations of the municipal code and state law related to antisocial or illegal behavior.

What was not decided or changed: The report is informational and the council did not change the suite of outreach services at the meeting. Staff said they are available to answer council questions and that the city will continue to enforce municipal code where appropriate.