Voice of OC opinion piece reports 32 unhoused deaths in August

A Voice of OC community opinion piece by Fr. Dennis Kriz, OSM, reported that 32 people died “without fixed abode” in Orange County in August 2026.

The piece lists names, dates and cities of death across Orange County and says the county’s review of homeless deaths during 2025 is expected in about four months.

Voice of OC reported in a community opinion piece that 32 people died “without fixed abode” in Orange County in August 2026. The piece was written by Fr. Dennis Kriz, OSM, and published Sept. 30.

According to Voice of OC, the deaths occurred from Aug. 1 through Aug. 31 in cities including Mission Viejo, Garden Grove, Santa Ana, Orange, Westminster, Anaheim, Lake Forest, Cypress, Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, Fountain Valley, Buena Park and Yorba Linda.

Kriz wrote that August may look like a spike in the number of deaths, but said the month often has more homeless deaths than July and often more than September, according to Voice of OC. The article cited possible effects from summer heat and, this year, unusual humidity tied to hurricanes on the Pacific side of Mexico.

The Voice of OC piece said Orange County’s formal review of homeless deaths during 2025 is expected in about four months. It also said this year’s death statistics are expected to be reviewed in about a year.

Voice of OC labeled the article as a community opinion piece. “Opinions expressed in community opinion pieces belong to the authors and not Voice of OC,” Voice of OC said.

The article also said local and national policy decisions affect the health and condition of people living without fixed abode.