Housing unaffordability is a statewide crisis across California, and Orange County is no exception. Since 2020, the Othering and Belonging Institute (OBI) has worked with community-based organizations in Orange County to carry out research on a range of issues related to inclusion, access, and belonging. This brief summarizes findings from our survey research with Orange County residents on their experiences of housing insecurity, and housing policy views. It finds that housing insecurity has increased across the board since summer 2020, but that renters and communities of color have become particularly more likely to experience vulnerability. By 2022, more than half of renters expressed extreme or moderate concern that they would have to move out of their homes for reasons outside of their control. Survey items concerning support for government action to remediate housing problems show that those who have felt the strains and fear of dislocation are prone to support systemic changes, including those that will benefit not only themselves but also those who are worse off.
