COVID Funds Will Help OC's Homeless Amid Pandemic Sen. Bates Says

LAGUNA NIGUEL, CA — The California Department of Housing and Community Development has awarded more than $20 million to Orange and San Diego Counties to help prevent, prepare for, and respond to COVID-19 cases among individuals who are homeless.

Senator Patricia Bates of Laguna Niguel, vice-chair of the Senate Housing Committee, thanked them for their efforts.

“I appreciate the Department of Housing and Community Development’s efforts to ensure Orange and San Diego Counties received their share of COVID-19 funding to help the homeless,” said Senator Bates, the vice-chair of the Senate Housing Committee.

The department received round 2 funding for the federal 2020 Emergency Solutions Grant Coronavirus Program.

The funds stem from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development that are then allocated to local governments.

The County of Orange was awarded $18,207,901 to fund emergency shelters, rapid re-housing, and the Homeless Management Information System to collect data on homeless services.

The County of San Diego, a portion of which she also represents, was awarded $2 million to fund emergency shelters, street outreach, and the HMIS.

According to Bates, "the funding will help those most in need as we work to end the pandemic.

Senator Patricia Bates (R-Laguna Niguel) represents the 36th Senate District in the California Legislature, which covers South Orange County, North San Diego County, and Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton.