Orange County recorded 20 deaths among individuals identified as “without fixed abode” during the month of July. These deaths occurred in various cities across the county, reflecting an ongoing challenge in housing and support for vulnerable populations.
The individuals who died in July include:
Eric LOZANO, who died on July 2nd in Santa Ana Giovani LOPEZ, who died on July 5th in Santa Ana Miguel MEDINA PULIDO, who died on July 7th in Garden Grove Martin YOUNG, who died on July 14th in Westminster Sheryl RICORD, who died on July 14th in Orange Vincent PRICE, who died on July 15th in Santa Ana Jeffrey BARBER, who died on July 18th in Santa Ana John CULVERSON, who died on July 19th in Huntington Beach Cheryl O’HARRA, who died on July 19th in Anaheim Amanda SMITH, who died on July 20th in Fullerton Jesus HERRERA, who died on July 21st in Fullerton Noah PADDOCK, who died on July 23rd in Anaheim Howard KOWALSKI, who died on July 24th in Garden Grove Broc HILL, who died on July 24th in Santa Ana Brook ANDREWS, who died on July 26th in Huntington Beach Natasha QUINTANA, who died on July 27th in Anaheim Kevin LOPEZ RAMOS, who died on July 29th in Brea Robert WHITESIDE, who died on July 29th in Lake Forest Ronald IZZO, who died on July 29th in Westminster Shawn RUSSO, who died on July 30th in Anaheim
While the monthly number of homeless deaths in Orange County is reported to be returning to pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels, an independent observer questions the continued prevalence of approximately 20 deaths each month among those without fixed abode. The observer notes that while individuals and substance use are often cited as factors, conversations with those experiencing homelessness suggest that drug habits frequently emerge after the onset of homelessness, driven by the constant stress and vulnerability of street life.
Based on recent experience providing pastoral services for a large California homeless provider, specializing in recuperative care for homeless seniors and individuals with disabilities, the observer has witnessed that drug addiction is treatable. However, a significant challenge remains in securing permanent housing for individuals after they have received medical respite, found stability, and achieved sobriety. Many individuals experiencing homelessness carry eviction records, which serve as a deterrent for numerous apartment owners. Additionally, the financial burden of securing housing, often requiring first month's rent, last month's rent, and a security deposit (now sometimes called a cleaning deposit), presents a substantial barrier for those who struggled to meet a single month's rent previously. While rapid rehousing programs offer some assistance, not all highly vulnerable individuals, such as the elderly and those with disabilities, qualify for these services.
In response to these persistent challenges, the observer proposes a re-evaluation of public housing models. Specifically, the idea of developing “public senior housing centers” or “public housing centers for people with disabilities” is put forth. This concept suggests that if the private market struggles to provide permanent housing solutions for these particularly vulnerable groups, then public funds might be directly utilized to construct such housing. The observer posits that in such cases, “the market has spoken” and has demonstrated itself to be insufficient.
This idea is offered as a potential path forward, with the observer stating an intent to bring individuals affected by housing instability to Board of Supervisors meetings and the State Legislature to highlight the ongoing difficulties faced by hundreds in Orange County and thousands statewide in securing housing. The discussion prompts consideration of whether problems that have been largely addressed with “market solutions” for generations might require different approaches, recalling that housing is considered a human right under the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights and was a focus for past leaders such as Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt and Lyndon B. Johnson.
