Costa Mesa Expands Behavioral Health Care Program

News Summary

Costa Mesa has announced a $750,000 funding boost to expand its behavioral health care program at the Bridge Shelter, adding 15 beds for homeless individuals battling mental health issues and substance use disorders. This expansion aims to improve care rather than increase capacity, with a goal of enhancing outcomes for residents. The City Council approved the funding unanimously, reflecting a community commitment to bridge the behavioral health care gap. A partnership with the Orange County Health Care Agency will further tailor services for those in need, with new programs launching soon.

Costa Mesa has announced an expansion of its behavioral health care program at the Costa Mesa Bridge Shelter, thanks to a significant state funding boost of $750,000. The funding, obtained from Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris (D-Irvine), will be utilized to provide an additional 15 beds for homeless individuals struggling with serious mental health issues or substance use disorders. This development increases the total capacity for behavioral health care beds at the shelter to 30 beds.

The Bridge Shelter has been instrumental in improving outcomes for residents seeking assistance. Since the introduction of additional beds, the shelter has provided behavioral health services to 53 individuals over the past year, successfully aiding 9 individuals in securing permanent housing. The expansion is aimed at enhancing the quality of care for guests rather than increasing the total number of individuals accommodated.

Mayor John Stephens commended the funding initiative for its potential to facilitate effective transitions for individuals facing mental health challenges into stable, permanent living situations. The City Council of Costa Mesa unanimously approved the funding expansion during a meeting held on August 1, reflecting a collective commitment to closing the behavioral healthcare gap in the community.

In conjunction with the funding received, a partnership with the Orange County Health Care Agency will be established. This collaboration will provide tailored services to clients with specific behavioral health needs, ultimately improving outcomes and support for those at the shelter. The introduction of new services is expected to commence as early as February, with funding secured through June 30, 2027, and the possibility of continued support from the county thereafter.

The Bridge Shelter, which originally opened as a temporary facility at the Lighthouse Church in April 2019, transitioned to its permanent site on Airway Avenue in March 2021. The shelter serves over 200 individuals annually and has contributed to the placement of nearly 450 people into permanent housing since its establishment. The average length of stay for individuals at the shelter is approximately 160 days, with a specific focus on prioritizing Costa Mesa residents within this expanded program.

Data indicates that a significant portion of the homeless population in Orange County is in urgent need of such services, as approximately 33% of nearly 5,000 homeless individuals report having substance abuse issues, while 30% have a diagnosed mental health disorder. The worsening mental health crisis amid the ongoing homelessness dilemma underscores the necessity for increased resources and support systems in place.

As this new expansion is set to roll out, Costa Mesa aims to provide essential behavioral health services to its most vulnerable populations, demonstrating the city’s dedication to addressing pressing social issues and improving the lives of those in need. With the implementation of these new programs and services, Costa Mesa is taking significant steps toward fostering a supportive community environment for all its residents.

Overall, this expansion is not just a response to immediate needs, but a strategic move aimed at building a more robust and supportive infrastructure for mental health and addiction recovery in Costa Mesa.

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Additional Resources

• Los Angeles Times: Costa Mesa Partners with O.C. Health Care
• Business Wire: TadHealth Awarded Contract
• Silicon Valley: Bay Area Cities Funding for Homeless Housing
• Google Search: Costa Mesa behavioral health
• Los Angeles Times: Mobile Health Services for Homeless
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Mental Health Services