California Accepted Papers Paper:
Alleviating Homelessness through Permanent Supportive Housing: Understanding Community Perspectives in Orange County, California
*Names in bold indicate Presenter
Supportive housing alleviates homelessness by providing a home and services (i.e. mental and physical health needs) to individuals experiencing homelessness. Orange County specifically has experienced both successes and failures when attempting to develop permanent supportive housing projects. This research aims to review and study housing projects from two permanent supportive housing developers in Orange County. One is a non-profit organization that focuses on the development, construction, and resident services of their housing developments. The second is a not-for-profit faith-based organization that focuses on the housing needs, services, and dignity of individuals experiencing homelessness. Utilizing the two housing developers and focus groups of individuals within their system of care, we examine the attitudes and fears of local residents that lead to the adoption or rejection of NIMBYism (Not In My Back Yard). We also examine the relationship between public housing to crime, property values, and the surrounding business area. This data will ultimately inform local policymakers and housing developers of obstacles in the implementation of public supportive housing in Orange County.
