Homelessness Information & Resources

The City of Yorba Linda has adopted a multi-pronged approach to homelessness to ensure the rights and dignity of those experiencing homelessness as well as the safety and comfort of residents and business owners.

North Orange County Service Planning Area

In an effort to comply with a Federal Mandate as well a recent case law, Martin vs. Boise (2018), the North Orange County Service Planning Area ("North SPA") has been collaborating on a regional approach to address homelessness in the North SPA, which includes identifying suitable locations for multiple shelters to provide homeless neighbors in the region with needed services. In addition to the City of Yorba Linda, the North SPA is comprised of the Cities of:

Anaheim
Brea
Buena Park
Cypress
Fullerton
La Habra
La Palma
Los Alamitos
Orange
Placentia
Stanton
Villa Park

View the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the cities in the North Spa (PDF)

Navigation Centers

The North SPA has opened two Navigation Centers, one in Buena Park and one in Placentia, to serve the North Orange County homeless population. The Navigation Centers not only provide housing for those experiencing homelessness but provide health resources, job and social skills training, and opportunities to reunite with family and friends. The Navigation Centers' goal is to integrate North Orange County’s homeless to become productive members of society while decreasing the number of homeless individuals in public areas.

What Yorba Linda is Doing to Prevent Homelessness

In addition to the City of Yorba Linda's involvement in the North SPA, the City has initiatives in place to abate homelessness.

Bridges at Kraemer Place

The Bridges at Kraemer Place is a year-round emergency shelter located in Anaheim. A member of the Yorba Linda City Council is appointed to represent the City of Yorba Linda on the Orange County Bridges at Kraemer Place Community Advisory Board.

Behavioral Health Liaisons

Through the Orange County Sheriff's Department's Behavioral Health Liaisons (BHL), the City has its own "BHL" assigned to Yorba Linda. BHL's are Deputies assigned to patrol and other assignments who recognize the need in the community for the rapid provision of resources to the homeless community. They receive additional training on mental illness and how to connect the homeless population with available services and resources.

Affordable Housing Program

Since the inception of its housing programs, the City has assisted in the provision of hundreds ofns (BHL) Program affordable housing units, extending both home ownership and rental housing opportunities to low and moderate-income households within the community at large.

View affordable housing information.

Interacting with Individuals Experiencing Homelessness

Do answer questions with a firm "No"
Do treat homeless individuals with respect
Do make donations or volunteer with organizations helping people experiencing homelessness
Do not encourage panhandling by giving money
Do not allow anyone to camp or loiter on private property, including HOA property

The City of Yorba Linda encourages residents to give if they choose but give responsibly. By donating to a charity that serves those experiencing homelessness rather than directly to the individual, it encourages the individual to reach out to an organization ready and able to bring long-term help.

Other Resources

County of Orange

The County of Orange provides a variety of behavioral and mental health programs to assist homeless individuals.

View the County of Orange website.

Download a copy of the North Orange County Pocket Resource Directory (PDF)

2-1-1 OC

2-1-1 OC is a central point for public information, including times of disaster to help those affected find recovery assistance. Individuals needing assistance can dial 2-1-1 or text their zip code to 898211 for resources.

View 2-1-1 website.

Orange County Health Care Agency Shelter Programs

Orange County Health Care Agency administers several shelters.

View the OC Health Care Agency Shelter Programs website Behavioral Health Liaisons (BHL).