City of Irvine’s Goal: Prevent Homelessness

  • The City Council’s long-term goal is to PREVENT homelessness.
  • We continue to support preventive measures with our professional staff, with our partners, and importantly, with dedicated funds each and every fiscal year.  Here are examples:
    • The City Council approved $29.2 million from the state’s redevelopment settlement to the City of Irvine – and that is money, guaranteed over several years – that will go to the City’s affordable housing through the Irvine Community Land Trust. There are currently more than 4,000 affordable housing units throughout the City.
    • Councilmember Melissa Fox is Chair of the nonprofit organization (Irvine Community Land Trust) that provides permanent affordable housing opportunities in Irvine, and Mayor Pro Tem Christina Shea is a Board Member.
    • We have two full-time police officers assigned each day to respond to those in need of mental health help and services. One of them is a homeless liaison.
    • Additionally, a division of the Community Services Department, FOR Families, is budgeted at more than $200,000 a year. Our staff is assigned to work directly with families in areas of concern such as stress and depression; substance abuse; and family violence. Resources include financial help and health care.