Director García presented results of a city‑directed homelessness census conducted Oct. 28–29 with Sirinet and partner organizations, saying the count identified "592 sin refugio, identificados" and noting a year‑over‑year reduction in the unsheltered count. The presentation described the population as predominantly Hispanic men ages 18–44, high rates of long‑term homelessness, substantial shares reporting no income, and connections to Medicaid (Medi‑Cal). García and staff said they used a secure GIS app, removed duplicates, and compared findings to the county’s point‑in‑time methodology to inform targeted outreach.

The presentation also summarized shelter activity and services. Staff said the city’s emergency shelter operates on a 120‑day stay policy, that testing for substance use occurs "when there is suspicion," and that partners such as Illumination Foundation and CityNet provide case management, housing navigation and employment linkage. García reported recent operational outcomes including hundreds of exits to temporary or permanent housing and placements into treatment and rehabilitation.

Councilmembers pressed staff on several operational and data questions. Members asked for clearer definitions of "positive exits" (one councilmember noted reunification, transitional placements and hospital referrals in staff figures), for counts of young people who previously were in foster care, and for the number of veterans placed into services. Staff said the county assigns regional outreach staff (staff noted 14 county‑assigned outreach personnel across jurisdictions) and that the city holds local contracts with outreach providers; they agreed to provide additional county‑level breakdowns and a more frequent update cadence. Several councilmembers urged twice‑yearly briefings and more detailed demographic breakdowns to target programs for older adults and youth.

Council debate also highlighted jurisdictional concerns. Councilmembers said Santa Ana carries a disproportionate share of outreach workload and asked staff to continue pursuing county coordination and opportunities to reunify clients with family when appropriate. The council voted on a related regional memorandum of understanding with nearby cities and approved it; staff explained that the MOU allows jurisdictional flexibility to serve people who have ties outside Santa Ana.

The council asked staff to return with requested clarifications and data (including foster‑care exit counts and county service details) and to bring regular updates on shelter placements, recidivism and program outcomes. The presentation closed with staff offering follow‑up materials and copies of the census report for council review.

Ending: The council did not take policy changes on shelter length or testing at the meeting; instead members directed staff to provide more frequent, detailed reports and to continue regional coordination efforts.