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OC Fairgrounds in Costa Mesa Could Be Used To House Local Homeless People

By Brandon Pho | January 13, 2020

As a local housing and homelessness crisis continues to claim lives, Orange County officials may soon look to the 150-acre county fairgrounds for help by sheltering homeless people on the property.

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CORONAVIRUS ORANGE COUNTY »

Voice of OC is bringing you the latest on Coronavirus. We offer email and text alerts.

What is COVID-19 & do I have it?

INFORMATION View the CDC website. View OC's website. View the latest OC case counts.

TRANSLATIONS See the county's guides in non-English languages. Learn key Coronavirus facts in Vietnamese and Spanish via VietRise. See VietRISE guides in Spanish and Vietnamese.

EXPOSURE The CDC recommends: wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds after being in public or blowing your nose or coughing (or, hand sanitizer with 60%+ alcohol), avoid touching your face with unwashed hands, avoid sick people, stay 6 feet away from other people and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. If you are sick: stay home, cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, throw away used tissues and wear a face mask around others.

SYMPTOMS The CDC identifies key symptoms as: Fever, cough and shortness of breath that develop 2-14 days after exposure. If you suspect Coronavirus, CALL your primary medical provider. If you display any EMERGENCY warning signs, seek immediate medical attention: difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion or inability to arouse, or bluish lips or face.

RISK The CDC identifies people most at risk for serious illness: Older adults, and people who have serious chronic medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and lung disease.

STRESS Stress and anxiety can be triggered by the situation and resources are available to help from the Anxiety and Depression Association of America and from the American Psychology Association. Concern over this new virus can make children and families anxious, here are tips on talking with children about COVID-19.

Do I need to stay home? Why?

STAYING HOME As of late Thursday March 19, Gov. Gavin Newsom told all Californians to stay home, restricting movement to basics such as gas, groceries and exercise to stem Coronavirus spread and to protect the state’s medical infrastructure. The order supersedes the county's emergency health order which barred gatherings and recommended people stay home. Voice of OC is maintaining a list of arts closures.

SOCIAL DISTANCING Staying home and away from people is called "social distancing." The aim is to SLOW the spread of Coronavirus so as to not overwhelm the nation's health care systems and so that people in need can get help. The Washington Post explains: "The spread (of COVID-19) can be slowed, public health professionals say, if people practice "social distancing" by avoiding public spaces and generally limiting their movement."

What about food, housing & transit?

BUYING FOOD You can find a few updates on local grocery stores. Grocers say there aren't any serious supply shortages and empty shelves are a result of massive overbuying. They say those shelves will be replenished in time.

FOOD ASSISTANCE If you need help, can find a nearby food pantry . You can apply for food benefits over the phone through the CalFresh program at 800-281-9799 or online.

STUDENT MEALS OC public schools are offering free or reduced priced meals to students 18 years old and under, available for pickup at these locations.

EVICTIONS Cities across OC are considering temporary bans on evictions related to Coronavirus. Under the bans, tenants are allowed to fight evictions if they or a family member are infected, or if they’ve been laid off or are forced to leave work due to the virus.

PROPERTY TAXES Property taxes are due April 10. At this time, Orange County's congressional delegation on March 20 called on the county government to delay the taxes for 90 days.

BUSES Starting March 23, all public buses will switch to weekend service hours (from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., compared to weekdays when service is 5:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.). Some routes begin and end earlier. OC ACCESS continues to operate as usual. While ridership has sharply declined, the agency is disinfecting and sanitizing buses and other public vehicles.

Can I get financial aid?

GENERAL FINANCIAL HELP Voice of OC article explains available financial relief resources. Here are some of those:

• The March 14 executive order removed the mandatory one-week waiting period for unemployment and disability benefits.
• The Orange County Social Services Agency, despite closing its lobby to the public, is still processing online filings for assistance programs. One program includes emergency cash assistance of up to $200 for immediate needs like rent or medical bills. The Social Service Agency's relief program hotline recently has had an estimated 25 to 30 minute wait time and offers a callback service so residents don’t have to stay on hold. The agency's website encourages people to apply for benefits online.
• OC residents can also apply over the phone for any of these programs by calling 800-281-9799.

RESTAURANT OWNERS & EMPLOYEES You can find a detailed list of resources available to restaurant owners and employees. The food service industry struggles to maintain business following the most recent announcement to stop all on-site dining, with service only available by delivery, pick-up or drive-thru.

How can I help?

VOLUNTEERING Non-profits and food banks are asking for volunteers to help at-risk communities in the coming weeks. OC Food Bank Coordinator Andre Gaithe told Voice of OC that despite the pandemic they still need volunteers to pack food containers for the 25,000 low income senior citizens they serve on a monthly basis. Second Harvest Food Bank has launched weekly drive through service at the Honda Center, and have suspended their volunteer packing operations at the distribution center.

DONATIONS An Orange County Community Resilience Fund has been started through the OC Community Foundation to raise money for local nonprofits and volunteer organizations.

COMMUNITY OPINION »

Barfield: Local Public Servants Meeting the COVID-19 Crisis Head-on

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Trejo & Shah: ICE Continues to Terrorize Our Undocumented Community Members During COVID-19

Local community members and organizations address COVID-19 concerns regarding the undocumented community in Orange County, California, by taking action and offering a list of resources.
Gonzalez and Anda: Community Members Continue to Support Celia’s Fight to Remain Free!

In Orange County, an expectant mother must attend a check-in with ICE on Tuesday March 31st where she risks deportation and being separated from her four children during the COVID19 pandemic.

COVID-19 Hotline Hours to Change April 4
County of Orange to Follow California State Guidelines for Wearing Face Coverings in Public
Fairview Developmental Center Selected as Alternative Care Site to Fight COVID-19 and Create Medical Surge Capacity in Orange County
Census Day Is Here in Orange County– Make It Count!
Orange County Rescue Mission Designated Drop-off Site to Assist OC Residents Impacted by COVID-19
Costa Mesa Prepares For Anticipated Surge Of COVID-19 Patients In Orange County

YOUTH MEDIA »

Newport Beach Re-Thinks Proposed Short-Term Rental Restrictions

We are bringing you the best and most comprehensive Orange County Coronavirus coverage. Please, join us and sustain our work today.

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OC Fairgrounds in Costa Mesa Could Be Used To House Local Homeless People

Housing & Homelessness

By Brandon Pho | January 13, 2020