REAL HELP FOR LAGUNA'S HOMELESS is a forum and information repository for citizens concerned about Laguna Beach's homeless residents. You can find out the latest developments, ask questions, connect to volunteer opportunities, email City Council  representatives, and read and view information that supports the concept of "Housing First" for homeless individuals,which is proving successful in cities large and small across the United States.

On November 12, 2009 the City opened a temporary shelter area in the Act V parking lot on Laguna Canyon Road that include sleeping areas, men's and women's lavatories and storage for belongings. Specific hours of operation are enforced, and users must vacate the site each morning by 7:30 a.m. Evening meals are being served here by volunteers. We hope that this will be a first step toward establishing a permanent facility that will help homeless individuals gain access to the vital services that can help them get back on their feet.  

On December 23, 2008, a lawsuit was filed in federal court seeking an injunction to stop the City of Laguna Beach from enforcing an ordinance that prohibits sleeping on public property at night and from harassing the homeless. While no one wants a lawsuit against our city, the hope was that it would be a catalyst to bring us together in action - to repeal an unconstitutional law and refocus on developing solutions to a problem that affects all of our residents.    On March 3, 2009, the City Council rescinded the ordinance. (See News - March 4, 2009 press release) The lawsuit was settled in June. There is no possible further legal recourse for the City on this matter. 

• The city-appointed Task Force on Homelessness began work in 2007 to study this complex issue.

• In January 2008, the City Council adopted the 14 Homeless Task Force recommendations (page 10) - but implementation lagged.

• In January 2009, the City appointed the required committee to oversee implementation, and it met eight times. The Advisory Committee on Homelessness, after assessing the needs of everyone in the community - businesses, homeowners, visitors, the homeless – reaffirmed the need for a permanent, multi-service center and shelter.

• A temporary shelter was opened at the Act V parking lot (see above). It will operate at this location until mid-June 2010.  We applaud these initial steps that help focus our community's energy and resources on real solutions instead of a lawsuit.Let's provide an acceptable place for the homeless to sleep and get access to county services and benefits. It's not only the right thing to do, it's far more cost-effective, and it will address the legitimate concerns of our merchants and the broader community as well. Such a program would serve as a model for other communities to follow suit and help their own homeless residents.

Questions?