The statistics, reported by homeless activist Don Black, are pretty sobering.
There are 3 million homeless people in the U.S., or 1% of the population, Black reports.
In Laguna Beach, there are about 50 homeless people. That’s .002% of the population.
Santa Ana — with a population of about 350,000 — reportedly has 2,500 unhoused, many of them families. That’s about .007%.
There are 35,000 homeless in Orange County today, 8% more than the 28,000 reported eight years ago.
“There is not a big problem with homeless families in Laguna Beach,” Black said. “Our 50 [homeless] people is not a big problem for us, especially with a city as wealthy as we are,” he added.
But the numbers don’t tell the whole story.
Laguna’s homeless are a particularly difficult bunch of people, according to the panel of experts. They tend to be the chronic, long-term homeless, those who have given up on “normal” life, have mental health issues, and most of whom also use alcohol or drugs, making them part of the problematic “dual diagnosis” population.
They are drawn to Laguna Beach because of its easy-going, laid back atmosphere and large transient population.
Well-meaning people, especially tourists, tend to act as “enablers” of this kind of lifestyle, by handing over cash upon request.
The counties of Los Angeles and Orange are embarking on a 10-year plan to “end homelessness,” of which Laguna’s efforts are one small piece of the puzzle, which must include every single city in order to make it effective — and fair.
