HOMELESSNESS is a problem in Stanton (Shutterstock).

Is the City of Stanton winning or losing its struggle to reduce problems associated with the homeless?

At Tuesday’s meeting of the city council, there will be a special presentation with an update on the city’s homeless outreach activities.

As recently as December a staff report offered a grim report on the efforts to help the unhoused and reduce problems association with them.

City staff 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 in City Hall at 7800 Katella Ave.