In an effort to relieve the homeless crisis in the city, the Anaheim City Council unanimously voted on Wednesday to declare a health and safety state of emergency.
The emergency declaration addresses the Santa Ana River Trail, which has been noted as a popular area for transients to take shelter. There are over 900 homeless individuals in Anaheim alone with 88 percent of that population unsheltered, according to a November 2016 Anaheim Homeless Census.
The Council voted 7-0 to expedite work with Orange County to increase services for the homeless population such as opening emergency shelters and expand law enforcement along the Santa Ana River Trail.
Set to take effect immediately, the declaration also strives to appeal to the county to make funding available to non-profit organizations providing services to the homeless. The resolution also aims to prioritize veterans and young adults transitioning from foster care.
A meeting regarding the vote was held 5 p.m. on Tuesday with residents expressing support and concern for the then-possible emergency declaration.
