By John R Steward and Mark Davis | PUBLISHED: November 10, 2018 at 12:00 pm | UPDATED: November 10, 2018 at 12:00 pm It’s no secret that Orange County faces a housing challenge, most pointedly among those who, for one reason or another, have found themselves without a place to call home. In 2017, officials recorded more than 4,700 homeless individuals living throughout Orange County, nearly 400 of which are decorated veterans. The causes of homelessness and the people facing life without a home are varied. Many struggle daily to survive after they’ve lost jobs or affordable housing. Others are trying to care for their children and unable to make ends meet. So, where can these individuals lay their heads at night? While the County operates 1,140 shelter beds in the winter – fewer in the summer – clean living quarters, free from harassment or danger, are few. Bottom line: Orange County’s homeless community is underserved in resources, services and compassion, and have nowhere to go. National headlines about Orange County’s homeless situation has caused many within our community to lose hope for a real solution and give up. But if our decorated veterans – our most honored citizens – and people with disabilities – our most vulnerable – are left to fend for themselves without a home and hope, what does that say about us? Fear-based opposition and the ever-present NIMBYism (Not in My Back Yard) mentality have slowed or completely halted some well-designed proposals to shelter our homeless…. [Read full story]
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