23 (38)Jennifer L. Hall
From: Nicholas J. Taylor
Sent: Tuesday, October 26, 2021 11:18 AM
To: Public Comment
Subject: FW: [EXTERNAL] Re: Cup Dev2021-06106
Attachments: Letter of Support on Appeal.docx
From: Jay Choi <
Sent: Tuesday, October 26, 202110:44 AM
To: Nicholas J. Taylor <NJTaylor@anaheim.net>
Cc: jkreitner@grandmashouseofhope.org
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Re: Cup Dev2021-06106
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open
attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message.
Hello,
I submit my letter of support for GHH's application for the Conditional Use Permit (CUP) below.
Best,
Jay
Grandma's House of Hope - Letter of Support
10/26/21
Jay Choi
Irvine, CA 92617
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.
Furthermore, GHH already holds several CUPS with this occupancy, and higher, and have never
experienced any plumbing issues that have impacted any of our neighbors. This includes a property with
13 bedrooms, 11 bathrooms with an approved capacity of 36, and another property with 11 bedrooms
and 6 bathrooms with an approved capacity of 22. There is no evidence to support the Planning
Commission's assertion that there is no feasible way to avoid a detrimental and adverse impact to the
health and safety of the Citizens of Anaheim as it relates to the sewer system.
Orange County's 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.
It is our hope that the City Council will overturn the decision of the Planning Commission on a rare 6-0
vote on August 30, 2021. There was no opportunity offered to GHH to mitigate any circumstances that
the Planning Commission were concerned about. GHH prides itself on its willingness to work with the
Planning Commission, The City Council, and the good people of Anaheim with whom it shares space. I
look forward to see GHH continuing the difficult work of serving a hurting community of displaced
individuals and assisting Anaheim in caring for their most vulnerable.
I strongly ask that you support this project and be instrumental in helping our community,
Jay Choi