Homelessness in California: O.C. as an Alarming Example of a Growing Crisis

Orange County's unhoused population has risen dramatically, increasing by 28% since the last biennial point-in-time count in 2022. The most recent count, conducted in January, identified 7,322 individuals experiencing homelessness in the county, with more than half living unsheltered.

The data is both disheartening and alarming. Many of these individuals have deep ties to the community: over half have family living in the area, and nearly two-thirds (1,538 people) currently work or have worked in the county. The demographics reveal further challenges, as the homeless population includes 869 seniors aged 62 or older, 328 veterans, and 308 transitional-age youths.

This spike in homelessness points to systemic issues affecting Orange County and underscores the fragility of social safety nets. The absence of safeguards like the Emergency Rental Assistance Program and the end of the COVID-era eviction moratorium are likely contributing factors. However, the precise reasons for the increase are complex, as many struggle to keep up with the rising cost of living amid growing economic pressures.

Adding to this crisis is the unchecked rise of artificial intelligence and automation, which is poised to worsen the situation for workers displaced by technology. Without comprehensive reskilling programs and safety nets, displaced workers are at significant risk of joining the ranks of the unhoused. This is especially alarming given the ongoing housing crisis in Orange County. The relentless increase in home prices is putting property ownership out of reach for all but the wealthiest, leaving the middle class and below with limited options.

A concerning trend is how much Orange County is beginning to resemble Los Angeles in this regard. The housing crisis is being exacerbated by job displacement due to rapid technological change. Without proactive government intervention and comprehensive strategies to protect vulnerable populations, the county may soon face even greater challenges. As we move forward, it is crucial that we address this issue with urgency, combining efforts across public, private, and nonprofit sectors to provide comprehensive support for the unhoused and prevent further displacement.

If Orange County and California more broadly fail to act swiftly, this situation could deteriorate further. Providing safe, stable housing, protecting workers from economic displacement, and ensuring access to mental health resources are all necessary steps toward a healthier and more compassionate society. The time to act is now.

While the new real estate settlement introduces more competitive and potentially lower costs for homebuyers in general, it also raises concerns about the increasing difficulty of attaining homeownership for first-time buyers and those not in high income brackets. The reduction in commission costs might make selling homes cheaper, but without addressing the rising property values and the broader economic factors at play, homeownership could remain a distant dream for many. This situation risks turning California into a state where only the wealthy can afford to buy homes, perpetuating economic divides and changing the social fabric of the state.

As we consider the implications of these changes, it is vital to reflect on the broader social impact: "California is becoming an only rich State."