A Milestone for Housing Equity

On January 25, 2025, Orange County and Alliance Health officially launched a dedicated effort to expand reentry and low-barrier housing options. This initiative, spearheaded by Orange County Justice United, marks a significant step in addressing critical housing needs for vulnerable populations. The County and Alliance Health have committed to an intensive, high-priority search for suitable properties and funding to support these efforts.

Low-barrier housing provides immediate, accessible shelter with a strong emphasis on harm reduction and support services. It is specifically designed to serve individuals facing significant obstacles, such as behavioral health challenges, reentry from incarceration or institutional settings, and homelessness. By reducing restrictive entry requirements, low-barrier housing ensures that those in urgent need can access stable accommodations without unnecessary barriers.

This initiative builds upon the momentum generated during the Countywide Assembly hosted by Orange County Justice United on November 18, 2024. At that gathering, community members and leaders identified key priorities for 2025, with a strong focus on home preservation and reentry housing. The launch of this focused work group demonstrates the County's commitment to turning community-driven priorities into actionable solutions.

Orange County remains committed to furthering its Strategic Plan Priorities, which include:

  • Promoting equitable access to care and safety-net programs.

  • Increasing housing stability through emergency shelter beds and permanent supportive housing.

  • Providing comprehensive reentry support for justice-involved individuals.

Looking Ahead

In early 2025, the County Manager convened a focused work group tasked with developing recommendations for evidence-based, low-barrier housing programs and collaborations. This group meets monthly, provides quarterly updates, and is set to deliver a final report in January 2026. Through sustained collaboration and strategic investment, Orange County aims to expand housing access and support services for its most vulnerable residents.