SANTA ANA, Calif. – On Monday, Nov. 25, Congressman Lou Correa joined the Santa Ana City Council to present a ceremonial check commemorating a $963,000 federal allocation for the City of Santa Ana’s Alternative Response Program. This funding, allocated over three fiscal years, will expand the Santa Ana Multi-Disciplinary Response Teams (SMART), a critical initiative addressing homelessness, mental health crises, and substance use disorder issues within the city.
The SMART program, launched as a pilot in 2022, deploys subject matter experts trained in crisis intervention, mental health, addiction, and medical services to respond to non-emergency 911 calls for service for those experiencing homelessness. This effort has reduced the burden on law enforcement and improved response times by redirecting calls for service involving homeless away from the Santa Ana Police Department. Since its inception, the program has connected over 1,000 individuals experiencing homelessness with housing and shelter, significantly reducing the number of unsheltered homeless in Santa Ana.
“Among Orange County cities, Santa Ana is leading the way in addressing regional homelessness,” said Mayor Valerie Amezcua. “This funding demonstrates our commitment to protecting the well-being of our community and ensuring quality of life for our residents. We are grateful to Congressman Correa for his unwavering support in securing these vital resources.”
The SMART initiative operates daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., utilizing a diverse team of professionals and case managers who coordinate with mental health clinicians, substance abuse specialists, and nurse practitioners, supported by private safety officers. By diverting non-emergency calls to these experts, the program not only provides effective crisis intervention, but also allows law enforcement officers to focus on emergencies and criminal cases.
“Santa Ana is doing more than its fair share to address homelessness,” continued Mayor Amezcua. “The SMART program exemplifies how taxpayer funds can be strategically used to achieve real results. We are not only improving public safety outcomes, but also addressing systemic challenges with compassion and expertise.”
The federal funding, allocated under the Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) program, aligns with the goals of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968. It ensures that the City of Santa Ana can sustain and expand this cost-effective and impactful program.
Also present at the ceremony were Mayor Pro Tem Thai Viet Phan, Councilmember David Penaloza, City Manager Alvaro Nuñez, and representatives from the Illumination Foundation and City Net. Their collective efforts reflect Santa Ana’s leadership in tackling homelessness and supporting vulnerable populations.
For more information about the SMART program, visit Santa Ana’s SMART Program.