Santa Ana reports fewer unsheltered people but officials flag long-term need for services
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Summary
City staff told the council a CityNet homeless census found 501 unsheltered people in October, down from 592 the prior report, and outlined outreach, shelter exits and contract funding; council pressed for details on veterans, youth and shelter rules including a 120‑day limit.
City staff told the Santa Ana City Council on Dec. 2 that a locally led homeless census conducted with CityNet and police outreach teams identified 501 unsheltered people in October, a 15.4% decline from 592 the previous year.
The presentation, led by city staff and homeless-services manager Ken Gaminski, described the count as distinct from the county point‑in‑time count and intended to collect demographic, health and service‑use information to guide resource allocation. Staff said most respondents were Hispanic or Latino men aged 18–44 and that 82–84% reported being homeless for a year or more.
Why it matters: The local survey was intended to inform the city’s shelter and outreach investments. Council members used the briefing to press staff on which programs are working, where people go after shelters and how the city connects veterans and transitional‑age youth to services.
What staff said: The city reported 697 shelter exits and 890 “positive exits” during the period the census covered; those positive exits include shelter placements, hospital or psychiatric placements, reunifications with family and transitional housing. Staff said CityNet achieved 28 exits to permanent housing and 168 exits to temporary housing during an 11‑month span.
On shelter operations, staff said the city’s contracted shelter operator, Illumination Foundation, has an established 120‑day maximum stay policy implemented this year, with flexibilities for residents showing progress in services. Staff said drug testing at the shelter is not routine; testing occurs when an individual exhibits signs of intoxication and, for HAP/PLHA‑funded programs, cannot be forced as a condition of service.
Costs and contracts: Council asked about program costs. Staff reported the Illumination Foundation contract for shelter operations is about $3.7 million and CityNet’s outreach and engagement contract about $3.6 million annually — amounts they said are funded through HAP/PLHA and related sources.
Council follow‑up and next steps: Councilmembers asked staff to break out veterans who are eligible for VA services versus those who are not, to add questions on foster‑care origin for younger respondents in future counts, and to provide county‑level funding and service contributions in the next update. Staff said they would return with additional detail and agreed to post periodic updates and service‑call data online.
Council context: Members repeatedly emphasized a housing‑first approach while also seeking stronger case management and employment services at the shelter. Several members praised recent operational changes — including more frequent visits by work‑center staff — and pressed for clarity on outcomes after the 120‑day shelter limit.
The council did not take formal action on the presentation but approved a related regional funding memorandum (see separate item) and directed staff to provide more granular follow‑up data to the council and public.
