Santa Ana Expands Health Care for Unhoused Residents with CalOptima Street Medicine Program

Santa Ana is taking a major step forward in addressing homelessness by partnering with CalOptima Health to launch a Street Medicine Program, bringing urgent medical care and social services directly to individuals experiencing homelessness. The decision, approved by CalOptima’s Board of Directors on March 6, follows strong advocacy from Santa Ana city officials and reinforces the city's commitment to tackling homelessness through comprehensive, community-based solutions.

The Santa Ana Street Medicine Program will join successful initiatives already operating in Garden Grove, Costa Mesa, and Anaheim, providing direct access to medical professionals, mental health support, and housing navigation. By delivering care directly to those in need, the program aims to build trust, improve health outcomes, and transition individuals toward stable housing.

“Santa Ana is proud to be working collaboratively with CalOptima Health to reach the unhoused in our community,” said Santa Ana Mayor Valerie Amezcua. “We have robust existing resources, and we are fortunate to be adding CalOptima Health’s proven approach to community-based health care and social services.”

A City Leading the Way in Homeless Solutions

Santa Ana has long been at the forefront of addressing homelessness in Orange County. The city operates a 200-bed homeless navigation center, the largest facility run by a local jurisdiction, and hosts Orange County’s largest shelter with 425 beds. Additionally, Santa Ana is investing in long-term solutions, having funded the construction of 441 permanent supportive housing units since 2018, with more on the way.

These efforts have already made a significant impact. In the 2023-2024 fiscal year, under the city’s partnership with City Net, outreach teams engaged with 4,873 individuals, helping 874 people exit homelessness. Moreover, City Net’s dispatch services redirected over 10,000 non-emergency calls away from law enforcement, allowing police to focus on urgent safety needs.

A Model for Community-Based Health Care

The Street Medicine Program is built on the idea of meeting people where they are—offering medical care outside of traditional clinic settings. By addressing urgent and chronic health conditions on the streets, the program helps individuals stabilize their health, access resources, and move toward a permanent housing solution.

“Our program seeks to build trust with our members and then deliver life-changing care with the goal of navigating individuals to permanent housing.” — Michael Hunn, CEO of CalOptima Health

With Santa Ana’s strong infrastructure and proven track record, this expansion marks a significant milestone in the fight against homelessness in Orange County. By combining healthcare, housing support, and social services, the city continues to prioritize innovative solutions that uplift its most vulnerable residents.

For more information on Santa Ana’s homeless services, visit www.santa-ana.org.