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Public Comment
From:Ilene Harker <
Sent:Friday, November 20, 2020 3:35 PM
To:Public Comment
Subject:Support for Covenant House at 632 N. East St.
To Whom it May Concern:
I am writing in support of the proposed Covenant House site at 632 N. East Street in Anaheim. As a 38 year resident of
Orange County I have watched as the challenge our communities have with homelessness continues to increase.
Over five years ago, I joined the Board of Directors of Covenant House California. I joined the board because I saw an
agency that was successfully addressing the needs of homeless youth. Since I have joined the board we have researched
and studied a way for Covenant House to bring its amazing team and services to the young people in Orange
County. Finally this year, we were able to find an appropriate site, funding and much community support for our
mission.
I believe strongly in the work Covenant House does and have personally witnessed their many successes. The stories
of Covenant House youth are as varied as the number of young people served. Many have not had the advantage of
growing up in families that were able to support them either financially or emotionally. The Cov has stepped in for these
young people and become their family. Covenant House is unique in that it is not only a shelter but a program that is
extremely successful in helping young people get ready to live as independent successful adults in our
community. There is no other service like this for youth in Orange County.
As a society, we have a duty to our young people to get them started on the right foot in life. If their family is unable to
provide what is needed, the community needs to step forward. The youth at the Cov are all working hard to get the
skills necessary to achieve their goals and dreams. Their presence in Anaheim will have a very positive impact on the
community.
I strongly urge the City Council’s support of Covenant House’s move to Anaheim.
Thank you for your consideration.
Ilene S. Harker
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