23 (21)Jennifer L. Hall
From: Nicholas J. Taylor
Sent: Monday, October 25, 2021 1:41 PM
To: Public Comment
Subject: FW: [EXTERNAL] Letter of Support on Appeal
From: Ashlee <
Sent: Monday, October 25, 20211:31 PM
To: Nicholas J. Taylor <NJTaylor@anaheim.net>; jkreitner@grandmashouseofhope.org
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Letter of Support on Appeal
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25 October 2021
Ashlee Nichols
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.
Neighbors saying they "don't want these people" in their neighborhood is not the standard to deny a project or dismiss
the Planning Department Staff Report, which is assembled thoughtfully and in great detail 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. It concerns me that
this decision was based on discriminatory comments from protesters at the hearing.
I strongly ask that you support this project and be instrumental in helping our community,
Ashlee Nichols