What happens when homeless people are sent to motels? Some are welcomed, some treated warily, some kicked out

Legal Aid Society of Orange County represents seven disabled homeless people… in one of two lawsuits filed over the clearing of the tent encampments. Lawyers for the organization said in a Feb. 20 court filing that, beyond the indignity of a stripped room, they were concerned about the absence of a telephone.

“The lack of access to a telephone also has the potential to put these individuals’ health and safety at risk, as they would be unable to call for help with transportation or food, or even to call 911 in case of an emergency,” reads the court document submitted to U.S. District Court Judge David O. Carter, who brokered the plan under which the county is providing motel rooms for a minimum of 30 days.

Teasley and one other client were placed at Baymont, said Legal Aid lead attorney Lili Graham.

“We did talk to the county,” Graham said. “It is our understanding that it was brought to the judge’s attention and he said to make sure there were at least linens there, and a shower curtain.”

Read the full Orange County Register article.