Costa Mesa Expands Behavioral Health Shelter Capacity

Costa Mesa Expands Behavioral Health Shelter Capacity

Costa Mesa will significantly enhance its behavioral health services with the addition of 15 more beds at its bridge shelter. This expansion is made possible through a $750,000 allocation from Assemblymember Cottie Petrie-Norris, as part of California’s state budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year. With this funding, the total capacity of the shelter will rise from 15 to 30 beds, specifically aimed at individuals struggling with mental health and substance abuse challenges.

The expansion has been described as crucial for addressing the needs of some of the community’s most vulnerable populations. Costa Mesa Mayor John Stephens emphasized that this development plays an essential role in helping individuals transition from homelessness to permanent housing solutions.

Details of the Shelter and Funding

Opened in March 2021, the Costa Mesa bridge shelter initially boasted 69 resident beds and three emergency intake beds. The facility serves approximately 200 people each year, successfully assisting numerous individuals in securing stable housing. This recent funding complements Newport Beach’s previous contributions of $1.6 million toward the shelter’s construction, along with an additional $1 million earmarked for access to up to 20 beds over a five-year period.

Furthermore, in 2024, Costa Mesa partnered with the Orange County Health Care Agency to introduce 15 dedicated behavioral health beds, another step in addressing the needs of the region’s homeless population. This initiative was backed by $4.2 million in Behavioral Health Bridge Housing funds. Newport Beach’s annual payment to Costa Mesa was subsequently adjusted to $1.275 million for access to five of these dedicated beds.

Context on Behavioral Health and Homelessness

According to recent estimates, at the time of the shelter’s establishment, approximately 33% of Orange County’s homeless population had substance abuse issues, while around 30% had been diagnosed with a mental health disorder. Given these statistics, the expansion of Costa Mesa’s behavioral health services aims to provide targeted support to individuals in need of these specialized services.

In the first year since launching its behavioral health program, the shelter has catered to 53 individuals, with nine of them successfully transitioning to permanent housing. The investments from local governmental entities, including the city and Orange County, signify a broader commitment to improving the lives of those dealing with the complexities of homelessness and mental health issues.

Plans for Future Support and Staffing

Along with the expanded capacity, the county will provide Costa Mesa with $718,000 specifically allocated for the new 15 beds and the services associated with them. This funding operates under a state law authorizing court-mandated mental health treatment, which underscores the focus on providing critical support to individuals requiring immediate attention.

Residents at the shelter will benefit from enhanced services that include access to a dedicated case manager, along with an Orange County Health Care Agency (OCHCA) clinician. The clinician will serve an essential role in assessing residents’ needs and referring them to relevant county services, including licensed in-patient detox facilities and outpatient residential rehabilitation programs.

This expansion initiative is in line with the state’s ongoing efforts to provide a comprehensive support system for those affected by mental health and substance abuse challenges, reinforcing the commitment to ensure that no one falls through the cracks of the social safety net.

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