What's Happening?
Costa Mesa is exploring a new partnership with the city of Irvine to utilize up to 20 beds at its 100-bed bridge shelter located on Airway Avenue. This development follows Newport Beach's decision to reduce its commitment to the shelter, which had previously
involved exclusive access to 25 beds. Newport Beach's withdrawal is attributed to a significant reduction in its homeless population, leading to a decreased need for shelter space. In response, Costa Mesa is negotiating with Irvine, which lacks its own brick-and-mortar shelter, to provide temporary housing for its unhoused residents. The proposed agreement would allow Irvine to pay for beds on an as-needed basis at a cost of $163 per day through June 30. This arrangement is seen as a potential precursor to a more permanent partnership between the two cities.
Why It's Important?
The potential partnership between Costa Mesa and Irvine highlights the ongoing challenges cities face in addressing homelessness. With Newport Beach reducing its involvement, Costa Mesa must find new partners to maintain funding and operational stability for its shelter. For Irvine, this agreement offers a temporary solution to its lack of shelter facilities, addressing the needs of its unhoused population, including families identified through the Irvine Unified School District. The collaboration could serve as a model for other municipalities seeking to pool resources and address homelessness more effectively. Additionally, the arrangement ensures continued revenue for Costa Mesa's shelter, which is crucial as it approaches the expiration of key service contracts.
What's Next?
The Costa Mesa City Council is set to vote on the memorandum of understanding with Irvine, which, if approved, would allow Irvine clients to begin using the shelter by February. This agreement is contingent on approval from both city councils. Meanwhile, Costa Mesa is preparing to issue requests for proposals to replace expiring contracts with service providers, ensuring the shelter's continued operation. The outcome of these negotiations will determine the future of the shelter's funding and service provision, impacting both cities' ability to address homelessness effectively.
