4.2. Public Hearing to consider an ordinance amending Title 17 of the Orange Municipal Code to update homeless shelter regulations and definition and finding of CEQA exemption.
I am writing today to express my support for agenda item 4.2 for the Planning Commission to consider an ordinance amending Title 17 of the Orange Municipal Code to update homeless shelter regulations and definition and finding of CEQA exemption.
HomeAid Orange County operates the Family CareCenter in the City of Orange, an emergency shelter for families experiencing homelessness. The Family CareCenter was one of the first permanent emergency shelters developed in Orange County, and the first of its kind for families who suddenly became unhoused. HomeAid and its operating partner, Mercy House, for the past seven years, have been managing and operating the center per the current ordinance since opening in July of 2017.
As we have grown in our knowledge of how-to best support families, the ordinance adjustments from the square foot per person need for the sleeping area, the length of stay in the shelter, and the hours of operation will help increase our ability to serve families in a stronger capacity.
• Since opening in July of 2017, 1,485 people have ended their homelessness at the Family CareCenter. While this has been a great success, nearly 100 families sit on the waiting list to enter emergency shelter daily. Lessening the area needed for each sleeping area, and allowing children under the age of 24 months to not be counted in the square footage, is critical to be able to serve more families in our community.
• Adjusting the hours of operation, allowing the families to return to the CareCenter by 2pm each day, will accommodate children after school. This is critical for families and will allow children to have a safe space to come after school, be met by their families, give them ample time for homework and/or studying, and provide families with the time they need as a unit, that is so critical to children’s health and wellbeing.
• Finally, increasing the length of stay from 45-days to 90-days is in line with average length of stays at navigation centers in Orange County, and what we have been experiencing to move families from the streets to their next housing opportunity.
HomeAid is grateful to the City of Orange for its long-term partnership in helping our neighbor’s experiencing homelessness. We are committed to serving families who are in crisis and supporting their efforts in finding their next home and continuing to thrive in our community. We appreciate your efforts to adjust and update the current ordinance so we can continue building a future without homelessness.
Sincerely,
Gina R. Cunningham, Executive Director
HomeAid Orange County
Dear Commissioners,
I am writing today to express my support for agenda item 4.2 for the Planning Commission to consider an ordinance amending Title 17 of the Orange Municipal Code to update homeless shelter regulations and definition and finding of CEQA exemption.
HomeAid Orange County operates the Family CareCenter in the City of Orange, an emergency shelter for families experiencing homelessness. The Family CareCenter was one of the first permanent emergency shelters developed in Orange County, and the first of its kind for families who suddenly became unhoused. HomeAid and its operating partner, Mercy House, for the past seven years, have been managing and operating the center per the current ordinance since opening in July of 2017.
As we have grown in our knowledge of how-to best support families, the ordinance adjustments from the square foot per person need for the sleeping area, the length of stay in the shelter, and the hours of operation will help increase our ability to serve families in a stronger capacity.
• Since opening in July of 2017, 1,485 people have ended their homelessness at the Family CareCenter. While this has been a great success, nearly 100 families sit on the waiting list to enter emergency shelter daily. Lessening the area needed for each sleeping area, and allowing children under the age of 24 months to not be counted in the square footage, is critical to be able to serve more families in our community.
• Adjusting the hours of operation, allowing the families to return to the CareCenter by 2pm each day, will accommodate children after school. This is critical for families and will allow children to have a safe space to come after school, be met by their families, give them ample time for homework and/or studying, and provide families with the time they need as a unit, that is so critical to children’s health and wellbeing.
• Finally, increasing the length of stay from 45-days to 90-days is in line with average length of stays at navigation centers in Orange County, and what we have been experiencing to move families from the streets to their next housing opportunity.
HomeAid is grateful to the City of Orange for its long-term partnership in helping our neighbor’s experiencing homelessness. We are committed to serving families who are in crisis and supporting their efforts in finding their next home and continuing to thrive in our community. We appreciate your efforts to adjust and update the current ordinance so we can continue building a future without homelessness.
Sincerely,
Gina R. Cunningham, Executive Director
HomeAid Orange County