HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem No. 1 Public Comment_CONCERN AMERICA
May 3, 2022
SUBJECT: Support for Density Bonus Agreement Application No. 2022-01
Dear Planning Commission,
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