As homelessness in Orange County continues to rise, local officials and advocates are exploring an unconventional yet increasingly popular solution to provide emergency shelter during the colder months—repurposing motels into temporary housing for the homeless. With a sharp increase in the number of individuals and families experiencing homelessness, the county is looking for new ways to address the immediate need for shelter, especially during the winter months when colder weather exacerbates the risks faced by those without stable housing.
The idea of converting motels into temporary shelters has gained traction in recent months as a cost-effective alternative to traditional shelter models, which often struggle with overcrowding and limited resources. By utilizing existing structures, advocates believe the county can quickly scale up shelter options without the need for expensive new construction.
The Growing Need for Winter Shelters
Orange County has seen a steady rise in its homeless population, driven by factors including soaring housing costs, mental health challenges, and the lingering economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to recent data from the Orange County Continuum of Care, the county has witnessed a nearly 10% increase in homelessness over the past year, with many people seeking shelter from the elements in makeshift tents or sleeping in cars.
Winter, in particular, poses a serious threat to the homeless population, with cold temperatures, rain, and even occasional frost making outdoor living dangerous. As shelters fill to capacity, many individuals are left without options, facing the harsh conditions of the season. For this reason, local leaders are exploring temporary solutions to get people off the streets and into safer, more stable environments for the duration of the winter months.
Motel Conversion: A Practical, Yet Controversial Solution
The concept of converting motels into temporary homeless shelters is not new, but it has gained momentum in the wake of the county’s growing crisis. Officials are eyeing motels in high-traffic areas, often near major highways or tourist destinations, which have rooms that could easily be retrofitted for short-term use.
In recent weeks, the county has begun negotiating with motel owners to secure leases for these properties, which would then be equipped with the basic necessities to house individuals and families experiencing homelessness. The goal is to provide not just a bed for the night, but also access to critical services such as food, medical care, and case management.
“The idea behind using motels is that it offers a quick and efficient way to get people into shelter, especially when traditional options are overwhelmed,” said Maria Hernandez, an outreach coordinator with the Orange County Homeless Outreach Program. “Motels have existing infrastructure, including restrooms and utilities, and they’re usually located in areas where services can be easily accessed.”
The program is expected to focus on those most vulnerable during the winter months, including families with children, seniors, and people with disabilities. By taking advantage of existing buildings, the county hopes to create hundreds of new shelter spaces without the time and expense typically associated with building new facilities.
A Solution With Challenges
While the idea of converting motels into winter shelters is appealing for its speed and cost-effectiveness, it also comes with a set of challenges. Many motel owners are hesitant to lease their properties for this purpose, citing concerns about the potential for damage to their buildings, the safety of guests, and the reputation of their businesses.
“I understand the urgency, but I have reservations,” said John Parks, who owns a small motel in Costa Mesa. “Homelessness is a complex issue, and I’m not sure I want to get involved in a situation that could negatively impact my business or the community around us.”
Additionally, the conversion process is not as simple as turning on the lights and opening the doors. Motels would need to be outfitted with necessary safety features, such as fire alarms and secure locks, and undergo thorough cleaning and sanitization. In some cases, motel owners may need financial incentives to agree to these temporary arrangements, which would require additional public funds.
There are also concerns about the long-term effectiveness of the motel shelter model. While motels provide a quick solution for immediate needs, they are not designed to offer the comprehensive services that many people experiencing homelessness require, such as job training, mental health counseling, or long-term housing placement. Critics worry that without addressing the root causes of homelessness, the motel shelter solution could be little more than a band-aid.
Community Support and Opposition
Public opinion on the motel conversion proposal has been divided. On one hand, there are residents and community organizations who applaud the county’s efforts to quickly expand shelter capacity, particularly as the colder months arrive. These supporters argue that providing temporary shelter in motels could save lives and reduce the visible impact of homelessness in public spaces.
“I think it’s a great idea,” said Natalie Turner, a local activist with the Orange County Homeless Initiative. “It’s a creative solution to a growing problem, and it’s better to have people in motels where we can provide services than to let them suffer on the streets.”
On the other hand, some local residents and business owners have expressed concerns about the potential impact on their neighborhoods. “We already have a lot of problems with homelessness in this area,” said Michael Lee, who owns a cafe near a proposed motel shelter site. “I’m not sure this is the right solution. It could attract more issues, and it might affect the safety of our customers.”
Looking Ahead: A Growing Debate
As the county moves forward with its plan, the debate over the motel shelter model is expected to intensify. Advocates for the homeless say the county’s actions are a step in the right direction, while critics urge that the focus should be on long-term solutions, such as affordable housing and better mental health services, rather than temporary fixes.
Regardless of the opposition, officials are moving ahead with pilot programs in select motels and are optimistic that they can provide relief for those in need as winter sets in. In the meantime, Orange County’s efforts to address homelessness remain a work in progress, with motels potentially offering a temporary lifeline for those in crisis—but not a permanent solution to the larger issues at hand.
As the county works to balance immediate needs with long-term solutions, the motel shelter experiment will likely serve as a barometer for how cities across the region can respond to the growing homelessness crisis. Whether it’s a temporary success or a model for future action, only time will tell.
Digital Nest 