HOMELESSNESS is a problem in Stanton (Shutterstock).

How can you help the homeless when the homeless refuse to accept the help offered?
When the Stanton City Council meets on Tuesday it will take up what’s become a melancholy duty: the proclamation of the existence of a local emergency because of the effects of homelessness.

The declaration of an emergency was first approved by the council on Nov. 26, 2004 and has been renewed seven times since, the last time on Dec. 9, 2025.

According to a staff report, for the month of December 2025, city staff has had at least 96 encounters with homeless persons. Out of 89 offers for placement in shelters, 87 percent of the homeless declined.

Hotspots for homeless encampments and gathering are at Katella Avenue and Western Avenue; Chapman Avenue and Beach Boulevard; Hollenbeck Park and the Tina-Pacific area.

Since 2019, the city has seen increases in its homeless population “despite significant allocation of resources and funds.” The effects have included more criminal activity, open air drug use (especially the use of fentanyl), open fires and more.

The council will meet at 6:30 p.m. in City Hall, 7800 Katella Ave.