How to Get OC’s Homeless Off the Streets Permanently

From tent cities to our sidewalks, how do we get the homeless off our streets in Orange County? And, how can we help break the cycle of homelessness while restoring dignity to these men, women and children?

To find answers and much-needed solutions, Jamboree partnered with United Way Orange County to fund a study conducted by the University of California, Irvine. The study identified the true costs of homelessness for our cities.

How much does homelessness actually cost OC?

• Cities, counties, hospitals, and non-government agencies spend nearly $300 million every year to address the issue of homelessness. This money meets an immediate need, but is not a permanent solution.
• Not all those homeless have the same needs. 
• There is one specific type of housing that permanently ends the cycle of homelessness, Permanent Supportive Housing.

How much money does Permanent Supportive Housing save?

Permanent Supportive Housing – quality housing with quality services – isn’t just a compassionate solution, it’s a cost-saving one: 

• For chronically homeless with a disability, the annual cost of all services per person is $100,759 for those living on the street vs. $51,587 for those living in permanent supportive housing with services. That’s a cost savings of 50%!
• For the chronic homeless (top 10% of heaviest services users), the annual cost of all services per person is $439,787 for those living on the street vs. $55,332 for those living in permanent supportive housing with services. That’s a cost savings of 88%! 

Looking for next steps?

Jamboree builds housing with services for the homeless that is helping to end homelessness permanently. We aren't a placement service for those experiencing homelessness. If you're looking for housing at a Jamboree property, see our FAQs.

What Jamboree is intent on is helping to educate and inform our community about the issue and to create more housing that helps our neighborhoods thrive. Here's how you can help:

• Discover how Permanent Supportive Housing can end homelessness – permanently – in this infographic "Homelessness in Orange County: The Costs To Our Community".
• Help us change the conversation about homelessness in Orange County. Sign the United to End Homelessness proclamation.
• Get the word out. Use the hashtag #EndHomelessnessOC and share the infographic on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.