HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem No. 1 Public Comment_MARIPOSA COUNSELING
Planning Commission
22 Civic Center Plaza
Santa Ana, CA 92701
SUBJECT: Support for Density Bonus Agreement Application No. 2022-01
Dear Planning Commission,
On behalf of Mariposa Women and Family Center, I am writing to express enthusiastic support
for WISEPlace and its efforts to develop permanent supportive housing for women experiencing
homelessness, some of Orange County’s most vulnerable citizens for whom there has been a
longstanding housing shortage.
As active members of the community, Mariposa Women and Family Center are pleased to
support this solution to ending homelessness through this development and wrap around
services provided by WISEPlace. Mariposa has had a valued partnership with WISEPlace for
many years and we are impressed with their demonstration of trauma informed care for a
vulnerable population.
WISEPlace is the only nonprofit in Orange County who is solely focused on the unmet ne eds of
this vulnerable population (unaccompanied women.) One in three women make up this part of
the homeless population with over 40% survivors of domestic violence. This population of
women endure high rates of first-time homelessness, longer spells of homelessness, and higher
barriers in accessing stable housing. Unaccompanied women also report extremely high
incidence of trauma–whether physical, sexual, or psychological in nature–that is compounded
by their ongoing houselessness. The opportunity to create options for women on this site with
so many community amenities will provide a safe home for women for future generations.
1845 W Orangewood Ave. Suite 300 Orange, Ca. 92868 * 714-547-6494 * www.mariposacenter.org
We are pleased to see the groundwork that has gone into exploring the existing WISEPlace
location. Creating permanent housing for vulnerable women will create an important solution
that has never been specifically addressed in Orange County. A place where women can live with
support services to address their disabling conditions will create a permanent stable environment
where they can thrive.
This opportunity to provide affordable housing at this existing location can create a welcome
solution to a growing community need. I am pleased to provide support and respectfully ask for
your consideration.
Thank you for all you do in our community,
Respectfully,
Dr. Krista Driver
President & CEO
1845 W Orangewood Ave. Suite 300 Orange, Ca. 92868 * 714-547-6494 * www.mariposacenter.org