HomeMy WebLinkAbout2 - PUBLIC COMMENT_AdamsDecember 14, 2020
City of Santa Ana Planning Commission 20 Civic Center Plaza Santa Ana, CA 92702 Dear Santa Ana Planning Commission: Orange County United Way writes today to express our support for the Westview housing development under consideration this evening. In addition to 85 affordable housing units, there is a set-aside for 26 permanent supportive units for our unhoused neighbors. Never before has there been a stronger desire to end homelessness and create housing in Orange County. Housing affordability is a persistently growing challenge throughout Orange County for families, veterans, seniors, and individuals, as home and rent prices continue to climb. Due to these rising costs, households have to spend over 30% of their income on housing, and a growing number are spending more than 50% of their income on housing. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, affordable housing was already a growing need in communities throughout the county. Given the disproportionate impact the pandemic has had on working class families, affordable homes will be even more needed as we look to rebuild our local economy. In 2018, United Way launched United to End Homelessness, a powerful collaboration among Orange County’s top business, philanthropic, government, faith-based, and non-profit leaders committing to ending homelessness and ensuring housing and services are available for every individual who may need them. United to End Homelessness has been a powerful voice in advocating for housing as the solution to end homelessness, and Orange County United Way has always supported and maintained that affordable, stable housing is the building block to a family’s success. Thank you for your approval of the Westview project. We are grateful to you for your courage and willingness to improve the lives of so many. Sincerely,
Michelle Murphy, MSW Director, Public Affairs
Receieved after deadline:
12/14/2020 @ 5:17p.m.