What Homelessness in Orange County Already Costs You

How to Get OC Homeless Off Streets and Save Taxpayer Dollars

Study shows what taxpayers already pay for high cost of OC homelessness

The growing housing crisis and numbers of homeless people make headlines almost daily in California. This isn’t a new issue. It’s a costly one – already costing lives and millions of dollars each year.

Closer to home, how much are Orange County’s homeless already costing you and your city? And, how much would it cost to get them off our streets?

To find answers and much-needed solutions, Jamboree partnered with United Way Orange County to fund a study conducted by the University of California, Irvine. ​

Did you know that homelessness costs all of us millions each year?

  • Cities, counties, hospitals, and non-government agencies spend nearly $300 million every year to address the issue of homelessness. This money meets an immediate need, but is not a permanent solution.
  • Homelessness costs cities and public service $121 million in healthcare, $106 million in all housing types, and $23 million in police, jail and legal fees.

Is there a cost-saving solution to end homelessness in OC?

There is one specific type of housing that permanently ends the cycle of homelessness, Permanent Supportive Housing. In fact, this solution could save taxpayers $42 million annually!

Looking for next steps?

Jamboree builds housing with services for the homeless that is helping to end homelessness permanently. We aren't a placement service for those experiencing homelessness. If you're looking for housing at a Jamboree property, see our FAQs.

What Jamboree is intent on is helping to educate and inform our community about the issue and to create more housing that helps our neighborhoods thrive. Here's how you can help:

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