The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires that all Continuum of Care jurisdictions across the nation complete a biennial unsheltered count and an annual sheltered count of all individuals experiencing homelessness in the community on a single point in time during the last ten days of January.  Orange County’s 2019 Sheltered Point in Time Count took place the night of January 22, 2019.  The 2019 Unsheltered Count process took place over two days, January 23 and January 24, to ensure the 800 square mile County jurisdiction was canvassed effectively.  The results of the 2019 Point in Time Count can be accessed here.   Twenty-four (24) unsheltered individuals were counted within Laguna Hills during the 2 day 2019 Point in Time Count.

The City of Laguna Hills approved a contract with nonprofit Mercy House to provide homeless outreach services in Laguna Hills.  The goal of outreach is to develop relationships with homeless families and individuals so that they can receive the assistance to navigate community resources. Often times the relationship that outreach staff develop with clients is the catalyst that leads the clients to accepting the help that they desperately need. Mercy House staff are able to provide ID vouchers, transportation assistance, and other material goods in addition to resource referrals. In addition, an Orange County Sheriff’s Deputy is assigned as a Homeless Liaison Officer within the City of Laguna Hills.  Both the Homeless Liaison Officer and the Mercy House outreach worker work in coordination to get homeless individuals off the streets.

Who to Contact in Laguna Hills

To access City resources related to homelessness in Laguna Hills please call or email:

• Call 9-1-1 immediately to report a threat to public safety.
• Call OCSD at 717-770-6011 for non-emergency Sheriff Department response.
• Call 562-285-3815 to reach the City’s Mercy House outreach worker or email cherryb@mercyhouse.net 

Other Resources

• The Orange County Office of Care Coordination has an assessment of homeless services in Orange County as well as a list of available resources and other information.
• Dial 2-1-1 or (888) 600-4357 or view the 211 website for information, referrals and assistance to food, shelters and human services.
• Orange County Health Care Agency Outreach and Engagement team reaches out to individuals who are at risk or struggling with homelessness, mental health and/or substance abuse problems. Call (800) 364-2221.
• The Homeless Multi-Service Center a drop-in center for homeless individuals with mental illness or co-occurring disorders, is open from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily at 2416 S. Main St., Santa Ana. Transportation may be available. Call (714) 668-1530.
• The Comprehensive Health Assessment Team - Homeless allows Public Health Nurses to provide targeted nursing case management for Orange County residents who are in housing crisis. Clients are seen in shelters, soup kitchens, motels and on the streets. Call (714) 834-8498.
• For homeless families or individuals living on the streets in South Orange County you can call 714-836-7188 ext. 121 or email outreach@mercyhouse.net for assistance.