Whittier is doing all it can to address homelessness

Joe Vinatieri is the mayor of Whittier. He can be reached at (562) 567-9301 or [email protected]. A previous version of this op-ed originally appeared in Whittier Daily News.

An editorial published by the Orange County Register correctly stated that there is much cities can do to address homelessness. But it also chided cities for not doing enough, a statement at odds with everything we’ve done in Whittier.

For years, our city has worked with stakeholders to address homelessness through supportive services and housing for families, youth, and single adults. In 2020, Whittier agreed to a settlement wherein the city would create shelter beds with supportive services. In turn, Whitter would be able to enforce its camping ordinance with the oversight and support of the U.S. District Court Judge David O. Carter.

Since then, the city has invested over $2 million to turn a Salvation Army building into the Whittier Navigation Center — operated by the Salvation Army and funded by the city at the cost of $2.7 million annually. Whittier also funds four outreach workers on 10-hour shifts, seven days a week, to ensure all residents experiencing homelessness get case management and housing navigation services.

We also know that the causes of homelessness can vary. We’ve committed to preventing homelessness through a variety of programs, including a mental health engagement team that pairs a licensed clinician with a Whittier police officer; committing more than $10 million in funding to establish new affordable housing units; low-cost home improvement loans to help aging seniors and others stay in their homes; counseling services for renters; and over $150,000 in annual support to local nonprofits to address the root causes of homelessness.

Whittier has done all it can, expending $3 million in general funds each year for outreach, case management, and supportive shelter services. However, the county and state have failed to do their part. There are people with severe behavioral health and substance use issues in need of help far beyond what Whittier can provide.

Some unsheltered individuals have chronic behavioral health issues so severe that they cannot accept shelter in Whittier’s available beds. The state and county’s mental health system allows them to live on the streets because they are “not an immediate danger to themselves” per the narrow circumstances required to hospitalize someone. However, these people plainly cannot provide for their own food, shelter, and safety.

The state needs to take action and care for people who are completely unable to care for themselves. Likewise, the county mental health system must be held accountable and follow through on ensuring these individuals receive basic services. We need initiatives like CARE Court and specialized drug courts so that we can collectively care for our most vulnerable brothers and sisters.

We also need more collaboration between all levels of government so that individuals can get connected to services quickly and so that cities can know if their efforts are successful.

Whittier is making significant progress in addressing homelessness for anyone who can willingly enter a shelter. While the journey is far from over, our approach ensures that vulnerable members of our community have the support and protection they need, and that parks and other public spaces are clean, safe, and available for everyone — housed and unhoused.

But there’s still work to be done. The responsibility to address the gap in services for those experiencing substance use challenges and mental health crises falls on county and state governments. Let’s make sure that while cities like Whittier do their part, counties and the state do so as well.  

City Voices features local leaders talking about the biggest challenges and successes facing their communities. To submit an article for consideration, please email Managing Editor Brian Hendershot with a short pitch. Completed op-eds under 600 words are welcome, but publication is not guaranteed.