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<br /> <br /> <br /> <br />May 19, 2022 <br /> <br />SUBJECT: Consent Calendar Item #62 - Support for WISEPlace <br /> <br />Dear City Council and Special Housing Authority, <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />: <br /> <br />On behalf of the Orange County Community Foundation ( OCCF ) , I am writing to express our support for <br />WISEPlace in its efforts to develop supportive housing for women experiencing homelessness. <br /> <br />As a local philanthropic leader dedicated to creating an Orange County where all our residents have the <br />opportunity to thrive, OCCF is pleased to support the services provided by WISEPlace. Creating housing for <br />vulnerable women is critically needed in Orange County. A place where women can live paying no more than <br />30 % of their income in rent along with support ive services to address their barriers to stable housing will create <br />an environment where they can thrive. <br /> <br />The 2019 Point in Time count showed there were over 6 , 800 homeless residents in Orange County. Affordable <br />h ousing options for women are a growing community concern. Over 40 % of homeless women are survivors of <br />domesti c violence. This population of women endure high rates of first - time homelessness, longer spells of <br />homelessness, and higher barriers in accessing stable housing. Unaccompanied women also report extremely <br />high incidence of trauma - - whether physical, sexual , or psychological in nature - - that is compounded by their <br />ongoing houselessness. The opportunity to create options for women on this site with so many community <br />amenities will provide a safe home for women for future generations. <br /> <br />Affordable housing is a resource that provides stability, community, and economic opportunity to our most <br />vulnerable neighbors. We only have this resource if we build it. With so many rent - burdened and struggling to <br />make ends meet because of rising rents in our region , this housing would provide a tool to help our community <br />and provide stability, and protection for our neighbors in greatest need . <br /> <br />This opportunity to provide affordable housing at this existing location can create a welcome solution to a <br />growing community need. OCCF is pleased to offer our support. <br /> <br />Respectfully, <br /> <br />S helley Hoss <br />President & CEO