MERCY HOUSE LIVING CENTERS (JOSEPH HOUSE 2015)

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Joseph House Program Mercy House first began operation of the Joseph House Transitional Shelter Program in 1990. It was designed to meet the needs of 10 homeless, single men within the community. Since that time, Joseph House rapidly expanded to provide shelter and supportive services to 21 homeless single men. Though homeless single men have consistently been overrepresented in orange County Homeless Point - in -Time counts, the services available to them have not been able to meet their large numbers. As homeless services continue to grow and adapt to the needs of specific subpopulations including homeless families, the chronically homeless, individuals facing domestic violence and veterans, there continues to be a lack of services designed specifically for single, homeless men, As such, Mercy House made the strategic discussion to modify its current shelter stock to modify the Joseph House transitional program to provide both transitional housing and permanent housing with supportive services for single, homeless men within our community. Joseph House currently has three units, providing transitional shelter to 21 homeless, single men at a time. In repurposing from a transitional shelter to a dual- purpose model, Mercy House will undergo the following key program modifications: • Transition two units of transitional housing into permanent housing with supportive services, offering low rental costs to meet the needs of the low- income homeless men in our community • One unit will continue to operate as a transitional shelter program e Leverage rapid re- housing funds with the aim to reduce the length of time clients stay at the shelter with a goal of connecting them to housing opportunities Structure and Location Joseph House is located in the city of Santa Ana in the French Park neighborhood. Mercy House owns three properties in the same neighborhood and has been an active participant in the community since 1990. The Joseph House property has access to grocery stores, restaurants and public transportation. The property is comprised of four units, three of which are used for transitional housing. The three transitional housing units are 2- bedroom units with adequate cooking and hygiene facilities. Zoning and Uses Mercy House is currently operating Joseph House under a Conditional Use Permit that allows the housing of homeless single men. Rehabilitation for Use as a Dual- Purpose Facility The Joseph House facility would require little rehabilitation to transition to a dual - purpose facility. The property could benefit from some additional minor repairs, but is in good condition and is ready to immediately serve single men in transitional and permanent housing.