23 (30)Jennifer L. Hall
From: Nicholas J. Taylor
Sent: Monday, October 25, 2021 11:41 AM
To: Public Comment
Subject: FW: [EXTERNAL] CUP for Grandma's House project (DEV2021-06016)
Attachments: Letter of Support on Appeal.pdf
From: Ben Strom <
Sent: Monday, October 25, 202111:30 AM
To: Nicholas J. Taylor <NJTaylor@anaheim.net>
Cc: Je'net Kreitner <jenet@grandmashouseofhope.org>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] CUP for Grandma's House project (DEV2021-06016)
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Hello. Please see letter for support for this project attached. Thank you. Ben
Best,
Ben
Ben Strom
M:
1
Letter of Support Template
10/25/21
Ben Strom
Corona del Mar, CA 92625
To the Anaheim City Council,
I am writing this letter in support of Grandma's House of Hope and the proposed Conditional Use Permit
(DEV2021-06016) located at 626 N. West St., Anaheim, CA 92801. 1 have been informed that the
Planning Department Staff Report recommended approval for the proposed project. I believe that this
project would help address the homelessness crisis facing Anaheim, and that Grandma's House of Hope
has and will operate this project in a reputable and considerate manner.
As someone who is concerned for the plight of those living on our streets, many with mental health
challenges that have never been diagnosed, I know action must be taken to assist those in need and end
the cycle of homelessness. By doing so, we are enhancing our community by preserving the dignity of all
people and their right to be fairly housed without discrimination.
The housing services that Grandma's House of Hope has provided for the last 17 years has earned them
an excellent reputation with their peers and partners. Their hard work has resulted in 4 contracts with
the Orange County Healthcare Agency (3 of these to provide housing and services to those with a
mental health diagnosis), 2 with CALOES in Sacramento for Victims of Crime and CESH funding to
provide housing and services for victims of domestic violence. Their success in moving their participants
to Permanent Housing within 12 months is 65%, which is among the highest in the county.
Our homeless population is diverse, and Grandma's House of Hope serves all individuals, including those
with mental illness, who are often the most vulnerable. There is a lot of stigma and misinformation
surrounding mental illness; and I would be very discouraged to know that discrimination had any place
in the decision-making process of the Anaheim City Council.
I understand that the staff report for this project was in support of the CUP being approved, and that
Grandma's House of Hope is quite experienced with this population and held in high regard with the OC
Healthcare Agency, who administers the contract for these services and audits the program annually.
We also understand that neighbors may be cautious but this does not constitute the standard to deny a
project or dismiss the Planning Department Staff Report, which is assembled over a 6-9 month time
frame. It is rare for the commissioners to not follow the recommendations of the staff report. A staff
member in the Anaheim Planning Department shared with GHH that the Planning Commission hands
down a split decision only 10% of the time. A vote of 6-0 to deny is almost unheard of when the Staff
Report has recommended approval. We hope this case can be reconsidered in a thoughtful and careful
process. I strongly ask that you support this project and be instrumental in helping our community,
Ben Strom