Orange County Faces Food and Housing Benefits Crisis Amid Ongoing Shutdown

Residents of Orange County face serious challenges as recent changes to federal housing programs threaten their homes. Many are also struggling to find enough food during a federal government shutdown that may become the longest in U.S. history.

Local food banks are feeling the pressure. With increasing demand, they’re seeking funds to keep shelves stocked. Claudia Bonilla Keller, CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank of OC, reports some distributions now serve twice as many people as usual and are signing up three times the number of new families compared to last year.

Keller expressed concern, stating, “We are on the precipice of something that we don’t know how long it’s going to last.”

There is also worry that people recently assisted in escaping homelessness may soon find themselves back on the streets. Changes to a federal program called Continuum of Care could cap funding for supportive housing at 30%. Currently, about 87% of that program’s funds go toward permanent supportive housing, making these changes potentially devastating.

As of August, approximately 10% of Orange County’s population—over 300,000 people—are enrolled in the CalFresh food assistance program, according to the California Department of Social Services. Yet, many of these families face uncertainty about when they will receive their benefits again.

Political dynamics are shifting. Some counties in California have stepped up; Alameda and Los Angeles County recently allocated $10 million each for food assistance during this shutdown. In Orange County, local leaders are considering a $1 million allocation to Second Harvest Food Bank and another million to the Community Action Partnership running the OC Food Bank.

Meanwhile, Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento noted that more funding might be necessary, especially with the upcoming holiday season when demand typically spikes. These financial resources are critical; last year, the Continuum of Care program helped over 1,400 residents with $33 million in assistance.

Food insecurity remains a pressing issue. A recent study found that food banks have seen a significant increase in need since the pandemic started and inflation continues to rise. Unfortunately, undocumented residents are ineligible for CalFresh benefits, leaving many families without support.

The community has shown resilience. Initiatives like drive-thru food distributions provide immediate relief. Orange County Supervisor Chair Doug Chaffee’s Drive-Thru Thanksgiving event aims to ease some of this burden, offering food and grocery gift cards to families in need.

As the government shutdown progresses, uncertainty looms. Leaders emphasize the need for community support and adaptation to navigate this crisis. Sarmiento sums it up best, stating, “We all need to lean into this moment.”

For further information on the impact of government funding on food assistance, you can refer to the California Department of Social Services’ [Food Assistance Information](https://www.cdss.ca.gov/) and the National Association of Counties’ insights on [Continuum of Care changes](https://www.naco.org/news/huds-continuum-care-faces-program-changes-and-funding-uncertainty).

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CalFresh,Claudia Keller,Orange County Food Insecurity,Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County,Vicente Sarmiento,Voice of OC