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Board approves haircut to housing‑support metrics after debate over funding cuts
Summary
Supervisors approved an amendment to Mercy House Living Centers’ contract that reduces the program’s funding and lowers some outcome targets; supporters said the changes reflect reduced state funding and limited housing inventory, while at least one supervisor opposed lowering standards.
The Orange County Board of Supervisors on May 6 approved an amendment to contracts that fund housing support services for families and individuals, including a reduced contract amount for Mercy House Living Centers and lower outcome targets intended to reflect current funding and housing constraints.
Social Services Agency staff told the board the recommendation reflects two realities: a sharp cut in the contract’s maximum obligation (from about $5.3 million a year in the original award to roughly $1.7 million annually under the amendment) and the limited availability of permanent housing units, especially for larger family households. Staff said the program is time-limited (six months with an optional renewal) and that trimming targets made the objectives more achievable under the smaller budget.
Vice Chair Katrina Foley pushed back, urging higher standards rather than a downgrade. “The outcome objective staff is proposing is less than the percentage the provider is currently achieving,” Foley said, arguing that the contract’s goals should be a floor rather than a ceiling.
Social Services staff responded that reduced funding forces more selective renewals beyond the initial six‑month period and that housing inventory constraints make timely exits to permanent housing more difficult. Supervisors also discussed the role of family-size units and the higher cost and scarcity of larger apartments that serve families.
After debate, the board approved the amendment with a recorded vote of 3–1. Supervisors who supported the change said the amendment sets realistic targets given current resources; the dissenting supervisor said lowering performance expectations risks institutionalizing the status quo rather than driving improved outcomes.
The amendment authorizes contract revisions to continue family emergency homes, navigation centers and other shelter models while the county attempts to preserve services amid funding uncertainty. Staff said they will continue monthly oversight of provider metrics and asked to revisit targets if funding or housing availability changes.
