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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCorrespondence - #62 and HA#3A: AITKEN AITKEN • COHN Email: mailbox@naitkenlaw.com www.aitkenlaw.com WYLIE A. AITKEN DARREN O. AITKEN RE: WISEPIace Permanent Supportive Housine Proposal Azenda #3 & #62 CHRISTOPHER R AITKEN RICHARD A. COHN Dear Santa Ana City Council, CASEY R. JOHNSON On behalf of Aitken *Aitken* Cohn, and as a Boardmember of WISEPIace, I am MICHAELA. PENN writing to express enthusiastic support for WISEPIace and its efforts to develop ATTICUS N. WEGMAN supportive housing for women experiencing homelessness. Unaccompanied women are Orange County's most vulnerable citizens for whom there has been MEGAN G. DEMSHKI a longstanding housing shortage. ASHLEIGH E. AITKEN of c<a„l.,el Aitken*Aitken*Cohn has been an active Santa Ana business for decades. The DEBORAH L. MILLER Firm firm enjoys a national reputation for the quality of our trial skills and the Admntistruro„ aggressive representation we provide on behalf of our clients. We are proud of our reputation for courtroom success, yet we also derive equal satisfaction Orange county 3 MacArthur Place, Suite 800 from the knowledge that our cases have also promoted a fair and safer P.O. Box2555 society. In addition to the firm's legal reputation, we are also dedicated to Santa Ana. California 92707 uplifting our local community. In addition to my service with WISEPIace Tel: (7 4 and as past President of the OC Bar Association, every lawyer in our firm 14 Fax: (714) 434-360D 3436() dedicates hundreds of hours of community service to organizations like Inland Empire Laura's House, Public Law Center, Legal Aid Society and more. We believe 7121 Magnolia Avenue, Suite A in representing the under -represented. Riverside, CA 925(A Tel: (951) 5344006 As active members of the Santa Ana business community, we are pleased to support this solution to ending homelessness. The proposed development will create 47 units of supportive housing to bring extremely low-income individuals out of chronic homelessness, where they can live paying no more than 30% of their income in rent. This represents a meaningful continuation of WISEPlace's longstanding community impact and includes vital wrap -around services to address residents' disabling conditions and create a 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 my support. Respectfully, Ashleigh Aitken Of Counsel, Aitken * Aitken * Cohn assistance league Orange May 4, 2022 SUBJECT: Consent Calendar Item #62 - Support for WISEPlace Dear City Council and Special Housing Authority, On behalf of Assistance League of Orange, I am writing to express enthusiastic support for WISEPlace and its efforts to develop permanent supportive housing for women experiencing homelessness, some of Orange Count y most vulnerable citizens for whom there has been a longstanding housing shortage. As active members of the community, Assistance League of Orange are pleased to support this solution to ending homelessness through this development and wrap around services provided by WISEPlace. The past 3 years, Assistance League of Orange has been very hands on, engaged as active members of our community and proud WISEPlace supporters and volunteers who work directly with the population served and have seen firsthand of housing solutions and wrap around service s onsite. Members of Assistance League of Orange find great personal value in supporting and volunteering at WISEPlace. The 2019 Point in Time showed there were over 6800 homeless residents in Orange County. Affordable Housing options for women are a growing community concern. 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. 124 South Orange Street • Orange, CA 92866 • Tel. (714) 532-5800 • Fax (714) 532-5805 • www.alorange.org assistance league Orange 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. Affordable housing is a resource to our communities that provides stability, community, and economic opportunity to our neighbors. We only have this resource if we build it. With so many rent-burdened and struggling to make ends meet because of rising rents across the state, this housing would provide a tool to help our community and provide stability, and protection for our vulnerable residents. 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 paying no more than 30% of their income in rent along 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. Respectfully, Laura Daley Assistance League of Orange Program Chair June 7, 2022 SUBJECT: Consent Calendar Item #62 - Support for WISEPlace Dear City Council and Special Housing Authority, On behalf of Behr Paint Company, I am writing to express enthusiastic support for WISEPlace and its efforts to develop supportive housing for women experiencing homelessness, some of Orange County's most vulnerable citizens for whom there has been a longstanding housing shortage. We believe we share a responsibility as a company to support positive change and growth in the communities where we work and live and to conduct business in a manner that safeguards our environment. These beliefs reflect our overarching commitment to doing the right thing and mission to make life more colorful. We are proud to have built our legacy within the city of Santa Ana during our 75 years in business. As active members of the Santa Ana community, we are pleased to support this solution to ending homelessness through this development and wrap-around services provided by WISEPlace. Creating housing for vulnerable women will create an important solution that has never been specifically addressed in Orange County. A place where women can live paying no more than 30% of their income in rent along with support services to address their disabling conditions will create a stable environment where they can thrive. The 2019 Point in Time showed there were over 6800 homeless residents in Orange County. Affordable Housing options for women are a growing community concern. 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 firsttime 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. Affordable housing is a resource to our communities that provides stability, community, and economic opportunity to our neighbors. We only have this resource if we build it. With so many rent burdened and struggling to make ends meet because of rising rents across the state, this housing would provide a tool to help our community and provide stability and protection for our vulnerable residents. 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. Respectfully, Jeff Filley President, Behr Paint Company SUBJECT: Consent Calendar Item #62 - Support for WISEPlace Dear City Council and Special Housing Authority, On behalf of the WISEPlace Board of Directors, we are writing to express enthusiastic support for WISEPlace and its efforts to develop 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 Orange County community, with several of us residing in Santa Ana, we are pleased to support this solution to ending homelessness. The proposed development will create 47 units of supportive housing to bring extremely low-income individuals out of chronic homelessness, where they can live paying no more than 30% of their income in rent. This represents a meaningful continuation of WISEPlace’s longstanding community impact and includes vital wrap-around services to address residents’ disabling conditions and create a stable environment where they can thrive. The 2022 Point in Time showed there were over 5,700 homeless residents in Orange County. Affordable housing options for women are a growing community concern. One in three women in the homeless population are unaccompanied, with over 40% also being survivors of domestic violence. These 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 proposed housing options at this site with so many community services and amenities will provide a safe home for future generations. Affordable housing is a resource to our communities that provides stability, connection, and economic opportunity to our neighbors. We only have this resource if we build it. With so many individuals rent- burdened and struggling to make ends meet because of rising rents across the state, this housing would provide a tool to help our community and provide stability and protection for our vulnerable residents. This opportunity to provide affordable housing at this existing location can create a welcome solution to a growing community need. We are pleased to provide support. Tim M. Johnson President VP Finance & President-Elect Philanthropist JLK Rosenberger, LLP *Proud Santa Ana Resident Nahal Kazemi Keller/Anderle LLP Ria Marie Carlson University of California, Irvine Lisa Cowan Marina Landscape MaryAnn Hopp Silicon Valley Bank Amber Omran KUL, Inc. Cathy Solomon OneDigital Health and Benefits Ashleigh Aitken Aitken * Aitken * Cohn Matt Bailey Lecturer, UCI Paul Merage School of Business *Proud Santa Ana Resident Judy Davidds-Wright Mercury LLC Shannon Claire Lamb, Esq. Shannon C. Lamb, APC Michele Ryan Philanthropist Khairul (Carol) Hotaki Vice President, Ascent Private Capital Management of U.S. Bank Byron Culp Bank of America Danielle Gutierrez Bank of the West *Proud Santa Ana Resident Nicole Morse Wells Fargo Traci Shirachi The Mark USA, Inc. WISEPlace Board of Directors (Continued) SUBJECT: Consent Calendar Item #62 - Support for WISEPlace Dear City Council and Special Housing Authority, On behalf of C3 Tech, I am writing to express enthusiastic support for WISEPlace and its efforts to develop supportive housing for women experiencing homelessness, some of Orange County's most vulnerable citizens for whom there has been a longstanding housing shortage. C3 Tech’s mission is to be trusted partners in advancing & protecting local businesses, applying state-of-the-art technology, design streamlined IT infrastructures, and exceptional customer service to elevate our clients’ success. C3 Technology advisors work directly with Orange County businesses as vendor-neutral IT consultants. As a DBE-certified company, we are proud to work with local cities and businesses and help them get more done. As active members of the Santa Ana community, we are pleased to support this solution to ending homelessness through this development and wrap around services provided by WISEPlace. Creating housing for vulnerable women will create an important solution that has never been specifically addressed in Orange County. A place where women can live paying no more than 30% of their income in rent along with support services to address their disabling conditions will create a stable environment where they can thrive. The 2019 Point in Time showed there were over 6800 homeless residents in Orange County. Affordable Housing options for women are a growing community concern. 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. Affordable housing is a resource to our communities that provides stability, community, and economic opportunity to our neighbors. We only have this resource if we build it. With so many rent-burdened and struggling to make ends meet because of rising rents across the state, this housing would provide a tool to help our community and provide stability, and protection for our vulnerable residents. 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. Respectfully, Samantha Lowery Enterprise Account Manager SUBJECT: Consent Calendar Item #62 - Support for WISEPlace Dear City Council and Special Housing Authority, On behalf of Chapman University, I am writing to express enthusiastic support for WISEPlace and its efforts to develop 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 who appreciate and have a passion for historical significance, Chapman University is pleased to support this solution to ending homelessness through this development and wrap around services provided by WISEPlace. We are pleased to see the groundwork that has gone into exploring the existing WISEPlace location. Maintaining the historic integrity of the location, and restoring it, while creating housing for vulnerable women will create an important solution that has never been specifically addressed in Orange County. A place where women can live paying no more than 30% of their income in rent along with support services to address their disabling conditions will create a 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 express my strong support for this initiative. Respectfully, Daniele C. Struppa Chapman University May 3, 2022 SUBJECT: Consent Calendar Item #62 - Support for WISEPlace Dear City Council and Special Housing Authority, On behalf of Concern America, I am writing to express enthusiastic support for WISEPlace and its efforts to develop supportive housing for women experiencing homelessness, some of Orange County's most vulnerable citizens for whom there has been a longstanding housing shortage. Concern America, based in Santa Ana since 1976, is a globally-focused community development organization building local capacity in economically impoverished regions so that communities are able to lift themselves out of poverty through grassroot programs in health, sanitation, and income-generation. Our focus on walking with vulnerable communities as they lead their own transformation is shared by WISEPlace, and why we are writing this letter of support. As active members of the Santa Ana community, we are pleased to support this solution to ending homelessness through this development and wrap around services provided by WISEPlace. Creating housing for vulnerable women will create an important solution that has never been specifically addressed in Orange County. A place where women can live paying no more than 30% of their income in rent along with support services to address their disabling conditions will create a stable environment where they can thrive. The 2019 Point in Time showed there were over 6800 homeless residents in Orange County. Affordable Housing options for women are a growing community concern. 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. Affordable housing is a resource to our communities that provides stability, community, and economic opportunity to our neighbors. We only have this resource if we build it. With so many rent-burdened and struggling to make ends meet because of rising rents across the state, this housing would provide a tool to help our community and provide stability, and protection for our vulnerable residents. 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. In gratitude and peace, John Straw Executive Director (949) 824-6800 (949) 824-4717 FAX May 4, 2022 TO: City Council and Special Housing Authority FM: David A. Snow, Ph.D. Distinguished Professor Emeritus RE: Consent Calendar Item #62 - Support for WISEPlace I am writing to express enthusiastic support for WISEPlace and its efforts to develop permanent supportive housing for homeless women, some of Orange County’s most vulnerable citizens for whom there has been a longstanding housing shortage. You may recall that I was the lead researcher for a 2017 comprehensive study of the cost of homelessness in Orange County, conducted in cooperation with OC United Way and Jamboree Housing Corporation. Among the major findings was that homelessness in the county is caused first and foremost by the intersection of the county’s high-cost housing market, particularly its rental market, and insufficient income, due in large part to the low wages and job losses, to access the housing market. When avowed causes for homelessness are assessed in terms of gender, we found in a subsequent cluster analysis (see figure below) that the cluster with the largest predicted percent of women was the lack of affordable housing/job loss cluster, which accounted for 74 percent of the women. When it is considered that women make up slightly more than a third of the county’s homeless population per the 2019 county PIT count, and that 58 percent of the women interviewed for the cost study reported experiencing physical and/or sexual abuse during childhood and/or domestic violence as a reason for their homelessness, the importance of providing safe, permanent supportive housing for homeless women becomes even more palpably compelling. It is my understanding that the current WISEPlace initiative will provide up to 48 housing units for homeless women who can live paying no more than 30 percent of their income in rent along with support services to address their challenging life situations and conditions, thus creating a permanent stable environment where they can thrive. I am pleased to see that the groundwork for the initiative is moving forward while maintaining the historic integrity of the location. It is with these considerations in mind that I register my wholehearted support for the WISEPlace initiative. UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, IRVINE BERKELEY • DAVIS • IRVINE • LOS ANGELES • MER CED • RIVERSIDE • SAN DIEGO • SAN FRANCISCO SANTA BARBARA • SANTA CRUZ Department of Sociology 3151 Social Science Plaza Irvine, CA 92697 - 5100 David A. Snow, Ph.D. Distinguished Professor Emeritus UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, IRVINE BERKELEY • DAVIS • IRVINE • LOS ANGELES • MER CED • RIVERSIDE • SAN DIEGO • SAN FRANCISCO SANTA BARBARA • SANTA CRUZ SUBJECT: Consent Calendar Item #62 - Support for WISEPlace Dear City Council and Special Housing Authority, Homelessness is at a critical stage in Orange County, particularly with unaccompanied women, who do not want to go to co-ed shelters for obvious reasons. I am writing to express enthusiastic support for WISEPlace, of which I have been a long-time supporter and active volunteer. WISEPlace’s efforts to develop supportive housing for women experiencing homelessness, some of Orange County's most vulnerable citizens for whom there has been a longstanding housing shortage is essential. As an active member the Orange County community, I am pleased to support this solution to ending homelessness. The proposed development will create 47 units of supportive housing to bring extremely low-income individuals out of chronic homelessness, where they can live paying no more than 30% of their income in rent. This represents a meaningful continuation of WISEPlace’s longstanding community impact and includes vital wrap-around services to address these women’s disabling conditions and create a stable environment where they can thrive. I have spent a decade or more in Orange County politics, working to elect people that will work on solving problems, while not creating others. I know the members of the Santa Ana City Council care about homelessness and now is our chance to make another dent in this growing population. Having been recruited for the Board of Directors of WISEPlace in the 90’s, I was invited to a luncheon at WISEPlace where I was astounded to find a resident that I had gone to high school (Westminster High School) with in the 60’s. She related to me how she ended up here at WISEPlace. I realized then that “there but for the grace of God go I.” and signed up then. I have never looked back. I have been a volunteer setting up beds when we took in 60 women from the riverbed, I, a volunteer at our second house helping the women acclimate to life and search for their future, I have been on and off the Board of Directors. My most significant worked was when I headed up WISEPlace’s Capital Campaign and helped to steer WISEPlace to permanent supportive housing and to Jamboree Housing Corporation to build our dream. We cannot let this opportunity to provide affordable housing at this existing location pass us by. We can create a welcome solution to a growing community need. I am pleased to provide my support. Respectfully, Brateil Aghasi Chief Executive Officer WISEPlace baghasi@wiseplace.org For Delivery to Santa Ana City Council Tuesday, June 21, 2022 SUBJECT: Consent Calendar Item #62 - Support for WISEPlace Dear City Council and Special Housing Authority, On behalf of the Elder Law and Disability Rights Center, I am writing to express enthusiastic support of WISEPlace supportive housing project for women experiencing homelessness. Women (especially senior women) are among the fastest growing unhoused communities. They are also some of Orange County's most vulnerable residents. The longstanding housing shortage in our County leaves this community with no where to turn. WISEPlace demonstrated dedication to serve women (often trauma survivors) with qualified on site supportive services is a critical piece of the housing solution. The ELDR Center is a dedicated advocate for housing justice and civil rights. We work closely with cities to take evidence-based steps through collaboration and litigation to increase housing and end criminalization of poverty. We are a driving force in Orange County to increase both emergency and longterm solutions. Our commitment to work directly with people where they are allows us to remove legal barriers to housing while partners like WISEPlace provide case management and housing. ELDR Center’s unique approach to legal services provides wrap around support to clients even after they are housed as new issues arise including accountability in the agencies that place them. As active members of the Santa Ana community, we are pleased to support this part of the solution – the step toward ending homelessness. The proposed development will create 47 units of supportive housing to bring extremely lowincome individuals out of chronic homelessness. This supportive housing will provide stability to ensure residents can meet their rent obligations with onsite access to a variety of other needs. This represents a meaningful continuation of WISEPlace’s longstanding community impact and includes vital wrap-around services to address residents’ disabling conditions. This will provide a stable environment where residents can thrive long-term. 1535 E. 17th Street, Suite 110 (714) 617-5353 Santa Ana, CA 92705 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 my support. Regards, Brooke Weitzman Chief Executive Officer Directing Attorney and Co-Founder Preferred Pronouns She/Her Bweitzman@eldrcenter.org 714-617-5353 1535 E 17th Street, Suite 110 Santa Ana, CA 92705 Re: Goodwill of Orange County 410 N Fairview Santa Ana CA 92703 ocgoodwill.org SUBJECT: Consent Calendar Item #62 - Support for WISEPlace Dear City Council and Special Housing Authority, On behalf of Goodwill of Orange County, I am writing to express enthusiastic support for WISEPlace and its efforts to develop supportive housing for women experiencing homelessness, some of Orange County's most vulnerable citizens for whom there has been a longstanding housing shortage. Our mission is to help people who are facing barriers find and keep jobs, which provides purpose, pride, and dignity. And partnerships are a vital component of our mission – therefore, we have joined hands with WISEPlace to provide resources, jobs, and clothing to the women they serve. As active members of the Santa Ana community, we are pleased to support this solution to ending homelessness through this development and wrap around services provided by WISEPlace. Creating housing for vulnerable women will create an important solution that has never been specifically addressed in Orange County. A place where women can live paying no more than 30% of their income in rent along with support services to address their disabling conditions will create a stable environment where they can thrive. The 2019 Point in Time showed there were over 6800 homeless residents in Orange County. Affordable Housing options for women are a growing community concern. 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. Affordable housing is a resource to our communities that provides stability, community, and economic opportunity to our neighbors. We only have this resource i f we build it. With so many rent-burdened and struggling to make ends meet because of rising rents across the state, this housing would provide a tool to help our community and provide stability, and protection for our vulnerable residents. 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. Respectfully, Nicole Suydam President & CEO 17821 17th Street, Suite 120, Tustin, CA 92780 949.220.1136 | info@homeaidoc.org | EIN: 33‐0568079 SUBJECT: Consent Calendar Item #62 - Support for WISEPlace Dear City Council and Special Housing Authority, On behalf of HomeAid, I am writing to express enthusiastic support for WISEPlace and its efforts to develop supportive housing for women experiencing homelessness, some of Orange County's most vulnerable citizens for whom there has been a longstanding housing shortage. Established in 1989, HomeAid’s mission is to help people experiencing or at risk of homelessness build new lives through construction, community engagement, and education. To date, HomeAid has completed 70 housing projects that have housed over 77,000 individuals experiencing homelessness. These projects have been home to families, pregnant women, at-risk youth, single adults, unaccompanied women, and people chronically experiencing homelessness who are living with a diagnosed mental or physical disability. In addition to building projects, HomeAid has collected over 11 million resources through donation drives that were distributed among HomeAid housing projects. We are proud that what began here locally is now a national movement to build a future without homelessness through 19 HomeAid affiliates throughout the United States. As active members of the Orange County community, we are pleased to support this solution to ending homelessness. The proposed development will create 47 units of supportive housing to bring extremely low-income individuals out of chronic homelessness, where they can live paying no more than 30% of their income in rent. This represents a meaningful continuation of WISEPlace’s longstanding community impact and includes vital wrap-around services to address residents’ disabling conditions and create a 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 my support. Respectfully, Gina Cunningham Executive Director HomeAid Orange County May 4, 2022 SUBJECT: Consent Calendar Item #62 - Support for WISEPlace Dear City Council and Special Housing Authority, The Kiwanis Club of Santa Ana would like 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 Santa Ana community, the Kiwanis Club of Santa Ana is pleased to support this solution to ending homelessness through this development and wrap around services provided by WISEPlace. Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time. The past 3 years we have been hands on and proud WISEPlace supporters. And as volunteers who work directly with the population served, we have seen firsthand the power of housing solutions and wrap around services onsite. For instance, during the pandemic, the Kiwanis Club of Santa Ana provided stipends for wardrobes, and gift cards enabling mothers to purchase Christmas presents for their children. In fact, our membership roster boasts a past WISEP1ace Director. The 2019 Point in Time showed there were over 6800 homeless residents in Orange County. Affordable Housing options for women are a growing community concern. 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. Foundation Federal Tax Exemption #95-6060395 State Charity Designation #32071 Affordable housing is a resource to our communities that provides stability, community, and economic opportunity to our neighbors. We only have this resource if we build it. With so many rent-burdened and struggling to make ends meet because of rising rents across the state, this housing would provide a tool to help our community and provide stability, and protection for our vulnerable residents. We are pleased to see the groundwork that has gone into exploring the existing WISEPIace 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 paying no more than 30% of their income in rent along 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. We are pleased to provide support. Respectfully, Kiwanis Club of Santa Ana https://www.kiwanissantaana.com Celebrating over 102 years of service to the children and community of Santa Ana! May 30, 2022 SUBJECT: Consent Calendar Item #62 - Support for WISEPlace Dear City Council and Special Housing Authority, On behalf of the League of Women Voters of Central Orange County Area, I am writing to express enthusiastic support for WISEPlace and its efforts to develop supportive housing for women experiencing homelessness, some of Orange County’s most vulnerable citizens for whom there has been a longstanding housing shortage. The League of Women Voters supports actions and measures that will increase the supply of safe, decent and adequate housing for all Californians. We are very concerned about the lack of affordable housing for so many in Orange County. As active members of the Santa Ana community, we are pleased to support this development that includes wrap around services provided by WISEPlace for vulnerable women, whose needs have not been specifically addressed here in Orange County. This development will provide a place where women can live paying no more than 30% of their income in rent along with support services to address their disabling conditions, creating a stable environment where they can thrive. Affordable housing is a resource for our communities that provides stability, community and economic opportunity for our neighbors. We only have this resource if we build it. With so many rent-burdened and struggling to make ends meet because of rising rents across the state, this housing will provide a tool to help our community and provide stability and protection for our vulnerable residents. 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 I know that I have the full support of all of our members. Sincerely, Sue Guilford. President League of Women Voters of Central Orange County Area lwvcoca@gmail.com (657) 223-4064 PO Box 10621, Santa Ana CA 92711 https://my.lwv.org/california/central-orange-county-area SUBJECT: Consent Calendar Item #62 - Support for WISEPlace Dear City Council and Special Housing Authority, 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 May 19, 2022 SUBJECT: Consent Calendar Item #62 - Support for WISEPlace Dear City Council and Special Housing Authority, : On behalf of the Orange County Community Foundation ( OCCF ) , I am writing to express our support for WISEPlace in its efforts to develop supportive housing for women experiencing homelessness. As a local philanthropic leader dedicated to creating an Orange County where all our residents have the opportunity to thrive, OCCF is pleased to support the services provided by WISEPlace. Creating housing for vulnerable women is critically needed in Orange County. A place where women can live paying no more than 30 % of their income in rent along with support ive services to address their barriers to stable housing will create an environment where they can thrive. The 2019 Point in Time count showed there were over 6 , 800 homeless residents in Orange County. Affordable h ousing options for women are a growing community concern. Over 40 % of homeless women are survivors of domesti c 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. Affordable housing is a resource that provides stability, community, and economic opportunity to our most vulnerable neighbors. We only have this resource if we build it. With so many rent - burdened and struggling to make ends meet because of rising rents in our region , this housing would provide a tool to help our community and provide stability, and protection for our neighbors in greatest need . This opportunity to provide affordable housing at this existing location can create a welcome solution to a growing community need. OCCF is pleased to offer our support. Respectfully, S helley Hoss President & CEO May 4, 2022 SUBJECT: Consent Calendar Item #62 - Support for WISEPlace Dear City Council and Special Housing Authority, On behalf of Orange County School of the Arts (OCSA), 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 Santa Ana community, OCSA is pleased to support this solution to ending homelessness through this development and wrap around services provided by WISEPlace. OCSA is committed to pre-professional arts training and developing students who are passionate about the arts and academics. The past 3 years, we have been very hands on, engaged as active members of our Santa Ana community and proud WISEPlace supporters and volunteers who work directly with the population served and have seen firsthand the power of housing solutions and wrap around services onsite. Teachers and students of OCSA have worked collaboratively with WISEPlace, with WISEPlace staff doing speaking presentations educating students at OCSA about what it offers in the community, and have presented multiple community service opportunities for our students over the years. The 2019 Point in Time showed there were over 6800 homeless residents in Orange County. Affordable Housing options for women are a growing community concern. 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. Affordable housing is a resource to our communities that provides stability, community, and economic opportunity to our neighbors. We only have this resource if we build it. With so many rent-burdened and struggling to make ends meet because of rising rents across the state, this housing would provide a tool to help our community and provide stability, and protection for our vulnerable residents. 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 paying no more than 30% of their income in rent along 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. Respectfully, Michael Ciecek Principal Orange County School of the Arts OneOC 1901 E. 4th Street, Suite 100 Santa Ana, California 92705 www.OneOC.org SUBJECT: Consent Calendar Item #62 - Support for WISEPlace Dear City Council and Special Housing Authority, On behalf of OneOC, I am writing to express enthusiastic support for WISEPlace and its efforts to develop supportive housing for women experiencing homelessness, some of Orange County's most vulnerable citizens for whom there has been a longstanding housing shortage. OneOC’s mission is to accelerate nonprofit success. OneOC provides solutions and support to nonprofits and companies, helping them reach their goals, make a greater impact, and engage with their communities. As active members of the Santa Ana community, we are pleased to support this solution to ending homelessness through this development and wrap around services provided by WISEPlace. Creating housing for vulnerable women will create an important solution that has never been specifically addressed in Orange County. A place where women can live paying no more than 30% of their income in rent along with support services to address their disabling conditions will create a stable environment where they can thrive. The 2019 Point in Time showed there were over 6800 homeless residents in Orange County. Affordable Housing options for women are a growing community concern. 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. Affordable housing is a resource to our communities that provides stability, community, and economic opportunity to our neighbors. We only have this resource if we build it. With so many rent-burdened and struggling to make ends meet because of rising rents across the state, this housing would provide a tool to help our community and provide stability, and protection for our vulnerable residents. 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. Respectfully, Randa Wren Director of Finance and Accounting May 6, 2022 SUBJECT: Consent Calendar Item #62 - Support for WISEPlace Dear City Council and Special Housing Authority, On behalf of Presbyterian Women, I am writing to express enthusiastic support for WISEPlace and its efforts to develop 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, Presbyterian Women are pleased to support this solution to ending homelessness through this development and wrap around services provided by WISEPlace. At the time the homeless encampment along the Santa Ana River was brought to people’s attention and eventually cleared, Presbyterian Women became acquainted with WISEPlace and the great need for housing. The past 3 years, we have been very hands on, engaged as active members of our community and proud WISEPlace supporters and volunteers who work directly with the population served and have seen firsthand the power of housing solutions and wrap around services onsite. Presbyterian Women wanted to be part of the solution. The 2019 Point in Time showed there were over 6800 homeles s residents in Orange County. Affordable Housing options for women are a growing community concern. 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. Affordable housing is a resource to our communities that provides stability, community , and economic opportunity to our neighbors. We only have this resource if we build it. With so many rent-burdened and struggling to make ends meet because of rising rents across the state, this housing would provide a tool to help our community and provi de stability, and protection for our vulnerable residents. We are pleased to see the groundwork that has gone into exploring the existing WISEPlace location. Creating housing for vulnerable women will create an important solution that has never been specifically addressed in Orange County. A place where women can live paying no more than 30% of their income in rent along with support services to address their disabling conditions will create a 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. Respectfully, Anne D. Sivley Anne D. Sivley Moderator, Presbyterian Women Los Ranchos Presbytery SUBJECT: Consent Calendar Item #62 - Support for WISEPlace Dear City Council and Special Housing Authority, On behalf of Rotary Club of Santa Ana, I am writing to express enthusiastic support for WISEPlace and its efforts to develop 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 Santa Ana community, Rotary Club of Santa Ana is pleased to support this solution to ending homelessness through this development and wrap around services provided by WISEPlace. Rotary Club of Santa Ana is a gathering of professionals who think and act both locally and globally. We are neighbors and global citizens uniting for the common good. We are pleased to see the groundwork that has gone into exploring the existing WISEPlace location. Creating housing for vulnerable women will create an important solution that has never been specifically addressed in Orange County. A place where women can live paying no more than 30% of their income in rent along with support services to address their disabling conditions will create a stable environment where they can thrive. The 2019 Point in Time showed there were over 6800 homeless residents in Orange County. Affordable Housing options for women are a growing community concern. 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. Affordable housing is a resource to our communities that provides stability, community, and economic opportunity to our neighbors. We only have this resource if we build it. With so many rent-burdened and struggling to make ends meet because of rising rents across the state, this housing would provide a tool to help our community and provide stability, and protection for our vulnerable residents. 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. Respectfully, Sariah G. Devereaux, Rotary Club of Santa Ana President May 9, 2022 SUBJECT: Consent Calendar Item #62 - Support for WISEPlace Dear City Council and Special Housing Authority, On behalf of the Santa Ana Chamber of Commerce, I am writing to express enthusiastic support for WISEPlace and its efforts to develop supportive housing for women experiencing homelessness, some of Orange County's most vulnerable citizens for whom there has been a longstanding housing shortage. The Santa Ana Chamber of Commerce’s Mission is to broker community solutions that create economic growth. As active members of the Santa Ana community, we are pleased to support this solution to ending homelessness through this development and wrap around services provided by WISEPlace. Creating housing for vulnerable women will create an important solution that has never been specifically addressed in Orange County. A place where women can live paying no more than 30% of their income in rent along with support services to address their disabling conditions will create a stable environment where they can thrive. The 2019 Point in Time showed there were over 6800 homeless residents in Orange County. Affordabl e Housing options for women are a growing community concern. 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. Affordable housing is a resource to our communities that provides stability, community, and economic opportunity to our neighbors. We only have this resource if we build it. With so many rent -burdened and struggling to make ends meet because of rising rents across the state, this housing would provide a tool to help our community and provide stability, and protection for our vulnerable residents. 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. Respectfully, David Elliott President/CEO Santa Ana Chamber of Commerce 1751 S. Lyon Street, Santa Ana, CA 92705 (714) 547-7794 / Fax: (714) 547-4404 SUBJECT: Consent Calendar Item #62 - Support for WISEPlace Dear City Council and Special Housing Authority, On behalf of the Santa Ana Elks, I am writing to express enthusiastic support for WISEPIace and its efforts to develop 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 our great Santa Ana community, The Santa Ana Elks are pleased to support this solution to ending homelessness through this housing development and wrap around services provided by WISEPIace. Santa Ana Elks has recently created a valued partnership with WISEPIace and are impressed with their demonstration of care for this vulnerable population. They are best positioned, along with their partners Jamboree Housing, to help end homelessness in our community. And Santa Ana Elks is committed to staying involved and leveraging resources to help these great organizations. WISEPIace is the only nonprofit in Orange County who is solely focused on the unmet needs 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. We are so pleased to see the groundwork that has gone into exploring the existing WISEPIace location. Creating 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 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 great community of Santa Ana! Respectfully, Lisa Darmousseh Exalted Ruler - President Santa Ana Elks Lodge #794 May 5, 2022 SUBJECT: Consent Calendar Item #62 - Support for WISEPlace Dear City Council and Special Housing Authority, On behalf of Working Wardrobes, 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, Working Wardrobes is pleased to support this solution to ending homelessness through this development and wrap around services provided by WISEPlace. At Working Wardrobes, we do everything in our power to help men, women, young adults and veterans overcome difficult challenges so they can achieve the dignity of work, and the Power of a Paycheck. We have been very hands on, engaged as active members of our community, and proud WISEPlace supporters and volunteers who work directly with the population served and have seen firsthand the power of housing solutions and wrap around services onsite. We specialize in workforce development, and cannot effectively help some of our clients without the services provided by WISEPlace. The 2019 Point in Time showed there were over 6800 homeless residents in Orange County. Affordable Housing options for women are a growing community concern. 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. Affordable housing is a resource to our communities that provides stability, community, and economic opportunity to our neighbors. We only have this resource if we build it. With so many rent-burdened and struggling to make ends meet because of rising rents across the state, this housing would provide a tool to help our community and provide stability, and protection for our vulnerable residents. 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 paying no more than 30% of their income in rent along with support services to address their disabling conditions will create a permanent stable environment where they can thrive. 2100 E. McFadden Suite 100 • Santa Ana, CA 92705 • (714) 210-2460 www.workingwardrobes.org • www.thehangerboutiques.org 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. Working Wardrobes bonnip@workingwardrobes.org 714-210-2460 2100 E. McFadden Suite 100 • Santa Ana, CA 92705 • (714) 210-2460 www.workingwardrobes.org • www.thehangerboutiques.org Respectfully, Bonni Pomush CEO 1810 North Main Street, Santa Ana, CA 92706-2727 Phone: 714.541.8314 Fax: 714.541.2150 www.TheWoodenFloor.org SUBJECT: Consent Calendar Item #62 - Support for WISEPlace Dear City Council and Special Housing Authority, On behalf of The Wooden Floor, I am writing to express enthusiastic support for WISEPlace and its efforts to develop supportive housing for women experiencing homelessness, some of Orange County's most vulnerable citizens for whom there has been a longstanding housing shortage. Founded in 1983, The Wooden Floor is one of the foremost creative youth development nonprofit organizations in the country. We transform the lives of young people in low-income communities through the power of dance and access to higher education. In Orange County and through national licensed partners, we use a long-term approach grounded in exploratory dance education to foster the confidence and gifts within each child to innovate, communicate, and collaborate – skills necessary for success in school and in life. 100 percent of students who graduate from The Wooden Floor immediately enroll in higher education. Our students become change agents and beacons of hope within their own families, their neighborhoods, our community, and our world. As active members of the Santa Ana community, we are pleased to support this solution to ending homelessness through this development and wrap around services provided by WISEPlace. Creating housing for vulnerable women will create an important solution that has never been specifically addressed in Orange County. A place where women can live paying no more than 30% of their income in rent along with support services to address their disabling conditions will create a stable environment where they can thrive. The 2019 Point in Time showed there were over 6800 homeless residents in Orange County. Affordable Housing options for women are a growing community concern. 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. Affordable housing is a resource to our communities that provides stability, community, and economic opportunity to our neighbors. We only have this resource if we build it. With so many rent-burdened and struggling to make ends meet because of rising rents across the state, this housing would provide a tool to help our community and provide stability, and protection for our vulnerable residents. 1810 North Main Street, Santa Ana, CA 92706-2727 Phone: 714.541.8314 Fax: 714.541.2150 www.TheWoodenFloor.org 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. Respectfully, Dawn S. Reese Chief Executive Officer The Wooden Floor May 6, 2022 SUBJECT: Consent Calendar Item #62 - Support for WISEPlace Dear City Council and Special Housing Authority, On behalf of the Ebell Club of Santa Ana, I am writing to express enthusiastic support for WISEPlace and its efforts to develop 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 Santa Ana community, with a passion for the rich history of our great community, Ebell Club of Santa Ana, is pleased to support this solution to ending homelessness through this development and wrap around services provided by WISEPlace. The opportunity to create housing options for women on this site with so many community amenities will provide a safe home for women for future generations. Affordable housing is a resource to our communities that provides stability, community, and economic opportunity to our neighbors. We only have this resource if we build it. With so many rent-burdened and struggling to make ends meet because of rising rents across the state, this housing would provide a tool to help our community and provide stability, and protection for our vulnerable residents. We are so pleased to see the groundwork that has gone into exploring the existing WISEPlace location. Creating the most housing for vulnerable women will create a solution that has never been specifically addressed in Orange County. OC’s first and only supportive housing focused on the needs of unaccompanied women, mostly seniors. A place where women can live paying no more than 30% of their income in rent along with support services to address their disabling conditions will create a stable environment where they can thrive. We are proud supporters of this opportunity to provide affordable housing at this existing location to create a welcome solution to a growing community need in support of vulnerable women. SUBJECT: Consent Calendar Item #62 - Support for WISEPlace May 3, 2022 Dear City Council and Special Housing Authority, On behalf of Serve the People Community Health Center, I am writing to express enthusiastic support for WISEPlace and its efforts to develop supportive housing for women experiencing homelessness, some of Orange County's most vulnerable citizens for whom there has bee n a longstanding housing shortage. Serve the People is a nonprofit Federally Qualified Community Health Center that provides medical, vision, dental and mental health services for low income, uninsured and homeless individuals and families. We work closel y with Wise Place and have been providing health care services to their clients for many years. As active members of the Santa Ana community, we are pleased to support this solution to ending homelessness through this development and wrap around services provided by WISEPlace. Creating housing for vulnerable women will create an important solution that has never been specifically addressed in Orange County. A place where women can live paying no more than 30% of their income in rent along with support services to address their disabling conditions will create a stable environment where they can thrive. The 2019 Point in Time showed there were over 6800 homeless residents in Orange County. Affordable Housing options for women are a growing community concer n. 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. Affordable housing is a resource to our communities that provides stability, community, and economic opportunity to our neighbors. We only have this resource if we build it. With so many rent-burdened and struggling to make ends meet because of rising rents across the state, this housing would provide a tool to help our community and provide stability, and protection for our vulnerable residents. 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. Respectfully, Sharing Christ • Building Believers • Caring for All Second Baptist Church | 4300 Westminster Ave. | Santa Ana, CA 92703 | 714-741-0590 | @sbcfamilyOC SUBJECT: Consent Calendar Item #62 - Support for WISEPlace Dear City Council and Special Housing Authority, On behalf of Second Baptist Church, I am writing to express our enthusiastic support for WISEPlace and its efforts to develop 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 Santa Ana community, Second Baptist Church is pleased to support this solution to ending homelessness through this development and wrap around services provided by WISEPlace. Second Baptist Church exists to glorify God by sharing Christ, Building Believers and Caring for all, which leads us to our ultimate vision to demonstrate the love of God to every nation, generation, and situation thereby fulfilling the Great Commission. The past 10 years, we have been very hands on, engaged as active members of our community and proud WISEPlace supporters and volunteers who work directly with the population served and have seen firsthand the power of housing solutions and wrap around services onsite. We are pleased to see the groundwork that has gone into exploring the existing WISEPlace location. Creating housing for vulnerable women will create an important solution that has never been specifically addressed in Orange County. A place where women can live paying no more than 30% of their income in rent along with support services to address their disabling conditions will create a stable environment where they can thrive. The 2019 Point in Time showed there were over 6,800 homeless residents in Orange County. Affordable Housing options for women are a growing community concern. 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. Affordable housing is a resource to our communities that provides stability, community, and economic opportunity to our neighbors. We only have this resource if we build it. With so many rent-burdened and struggling to make ends meet because of rising rents across the state, this housing would provide a tool to help our community and provide stability, and protection for our vulnerable residents. This opportunity to provide affordable housing at this existing location can create a w elcome solution to a growing community need. I am pleased to provide support. Respectfully, Kelita Gardner Kelita Gardner Executive Director of Operations Second Baptist Church February 25, 2022 Wendy Seiden, Director June 8, 2022 SUBJECT: Consent Calendar Item #62 - Support for WISEPlace Dear City Council and Special Housing Authority, On behalf of the Aitken Family Protection Clinic, I am writing to express enthusiastic support for WISEPlace and its efforts to develop supportive housing for women experiencing homelessness, some of Orange County's most vulnerable citizens for whom there has been a longstanding housing shortage. I am an attorney who has specialized in the intersection of domestic violence and child abuse for the past thirty years. I have represented and provided services to thousands of women, most of them without financial resources, during that time. Since 2010, I have taught domestic violence law to Chapman University’s law students and through the Aitken Family Protection Clinic, have been providing legal advice and representation to survivors of domestic violence and related crimes. Since 2018, we have focused specifically on unhoused and housing insecure survivors of domestic violence and related crimes. During these four years, we have often worked with WISEPlace or with WISEPlace clients. We have found WISEPlace to be effective and responsible in their efforts to house and provide services for women – especially older women. While temporary shelter is helpful, actual housing with support is the only way to begin to resolve this county’s homelessness crisis. We are pleased to support WISEPlace’s solution to ending homelessness through this development and accompanying wraparound services. Women, and in particular older women, are an unexpectedly large percentage of Orange County’s unhoused population. Combining a place where women can live and pay no more than 30% of their income in rent, along with support services to address disabling conditions, will create a stable environment where Orange County’s vulnerable women can thrive. The 2019 Point in Time counted over 6800 homeless residents of Orange County. Affordable Housing options for women are a growing community concern. One in three women make up this part of the unhoused population with well over 40% being survivors of domestic violence. We estimate the percentage of unhoused women who are survivors of domestic violence to be quite a bit higher, and we know from experience that domestic violence is often the proximate cause of homelessness for women. This population of women endures higher rates of firsttime homelessness, longer periods of homelessness, and higher barriers in accessing stable housing. Unaccompanied women, or women without partners or minor children, also report extremely high incidence of trauma -- physical, sexual, or emotional -- that is compounded by their ongoing houselessness. The opportunity to create options for women through WISEPlace, with so many community amenities, will provide a safe home for women for future generations. Affordable housing is a resource to our communities that provides stability, community, and economic opportunity to our neighbors. We only have this resource if we build it. With so many rent-burdened and struggling to make ends meet because of rising rents across the state, this housing would provide a tool to help our community and provide stability, and protection for our vulnerable residents. This current opportunity to provide affordable housing and needed support services at this existing location would create a welcome solution to a growing community need. Please let me know if I can provide further information or assistance. Respectfully, Wendy Seiden, Clinical Professor Director, Aitken Family Protection Clinic Chapman University Fowler School of Law seiden@chapman.edu; 714-628-2636 Orozco, Norma From: Tim Johnson <tjohnson@jlkrllp.com> Sent: Monday, June 20, 2022 2:09 PM To: eComment; Sarmiento, Vicente; Lopez, Jessie; Hernandez, Johnathan; Bacerra, Phil; Phan, Thai; Penaloza, David; Mendoza, Nelida Cc: Ridge, Kristine; Mendoza, Steven; Brown, Judson; Carvalho, Sonia R. Subject: WISEPIace- Council Agenda Item #62 &#3 of Housing Authority Agenda (6/21/22) Mayor and Council (cc City Manager Ridge,Asst City Manager Mendoza, City Atty Carvalho and Housing Div Mgr Brown)...At Tuesday's council meeting you will be considering whether to support a project at WISEPLace in agenda items#62& Housing Authority#3. As a City of Santa Ana resident, I urge you to support this project. Even though I am now part of the WISEPIace Board and obviously in full support of this project, I have not always been at the same place I am at now. I remember when I used to think that the way to solve homelessness was a law enforcement based process for our local population that was struggling with housing...or just move them somewhere else so we did not have to see them instead of truly helping them. I may have even thought about writing a letter to this council opposing a project like this at one point in my past. However, I am now in full support of this project and other solutions in our city that takes on the merits of permanent supportive housing with wrap around services. My thoughts began to change and I started on this journey when I heard Judson Brown speak at a Com-Link meeting probably 5 years +/-or so ago...and then advanced after digging into the UCI cost study on homelessness (as a CPA,the finances speak to me) and further solidified my position after attending many United Way/Dr. David Snow presentations on the causes and costs associated with those experiencing homelessness, and then also when I took place in the City's own point in time count showing up at the very chambers you are sitting in at least twice a month on a very early Saturday morning in the middle of tax season. I also write this to you as a resident that quite likely lives closer to the WISEPIace location than anyone on the council although I admittedly do now know where each of you live, but I am about%of a mile from WISEPIace. This project is in my back yard compared to most other stakeholders- I literally go by it most days of the week. I look back to that first presentation by Judson and am so thankful for the information he provided as well as so many others along the way. Judson,thank you for making that initial presentation I heard and the countless others that you likely do not know the impact you are making for those that are looking at you with inquisitive eyes and may not even know what questions to even ask...you and the entire team with the city that devotes time for those seeking adequate housing are making a difference. As one councilmember said at a prior meeting, so many will come out and say very strongly that that the city (and specifically those who cast votes like you do) needs to do more for those struggling with housing yet when a good project is before the council, no one says "YES, SUPPORT THIS PROJECT." Well, I am here as a resident and one that has come before you many times saying that we need to do more...YES, SUPPORT THIS PROJECT! Your yes vote will show that you also see projects like this as part of the solution. I not only support this project because I support WISEPIace but also because as a resident of our Santa Ana community, I realize that we need to continue to take positive steps to help those who are the most vulnerable among us. Quite simply,those that receive assistance from WISEPIace are far better off than they otherwise would be on the streets or a congregate shelter. Because of the population that WISEPIace serves, unaccompanied women, I do not want to think about the struggles they would have living on the streets, but I have to think about those experiences that they would have but we can do something about that by supporting this project. At the beginning of my journey on realizing how we should be tackling this issue, I asked my then 11ish year old daughter what she thought that the solution to homelessness was...she looked at me as only a pre-teen can and snarkily told me "Duh dad, it is so obviously...it is literally in the name. HOMELESS...if you don't want someone to be homeless, you get them in a home." From the mouths of children often come the best answers to complex problems. We as 1 adults will want to analyze everything to the n-th degree when sometimes the simplest solution may in fact be the best...housing. Now,we know that just housing is not enough though which is why we should be supporting projects like this one because of the wrap around services that will help the residents truly succeed. We need to work on the whole person. This project will not solve homelessness for every person, but it certainly will help 47 ladies at a time who have struggled with housing and various other items. Through my work with WISEPIace, I am also excited to say that many in my very own neighborhoods and those around WISEPIace also support the work that Brateil Aghasi and the rest of her team is doing. Some of my neighbors have been supporting of WISEPIace for years and decades! They can do this work and provide this assistance because of the partnership that WISEPIace has with the city and the community. It truly is a partnership and one that I am glad to say that you don't have to be on the WISEPIace board to support. I believe that some of you have visited WISEPIace to see first-hand the work that has been done and maybe even walked away thinking about how things can be even better. I know that many of you support the vision of the organization. I pray that you can publicly support this project also with a yes vote. Please join every commissioner who has cast a vote on this project leading up to this point whether it was the Historic Resources Commission (8:0 in favor), Planning Commission (5:0 in favor), or the Community Development Commission (7:0 in favor) in supporting this project. We are not only looking for approval but full unanimous approval in supporting a local organization that is truly doing its best to meet the demands of this vulnerable population. Please join me in supporting this project. Thank you for your time and consideration. Tim Johnson, CPA RosciAgryL, ` Partner d . � (949) 860-9892 P(oudly part of the P Fglobal family (714) 743-1065 tjohnson@jlkrllp.com 2601 Main Street,Suite 580, Irvine,CA 92614 See our latest business news and insights by clicking here This message(including any attachments)contains confidential information intended for a specific individual and purpose,and is protected by law.If you are not the intended recipient,you should delete this message.Any disclosure,copying,or distribution of this message,or the taking of any action based on it,is strictly prohibited.JLK Rosenberger is a California Limited Liability Partnership and a member firm of PKF International Limited,a family of legally independent member firms and does not accept any responsibility or liability for the actions or inactions on the part of any other individual member or correspondent firm or firms. 2