23 (53)Jennifer L. Hall
From: Nicholas J. Taylor
Sent: Tuesday, October 26, 2021 3:24 PM
To: Public Comment
Subject: FW: [EXTERNAL] Letter of Support for Grandma's House of Hope
Attachments: 1897_001.pdf
From: Arnie Raiger <
Sent: Tuesday, October 26, 20211:49 PM
To: Nicholas J. Taylor <NJTaylor@anaheim.net>
Cc: jkreitner@grandmashouseofhope.org
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Letter of Support for Grandma's House of Hope
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,
Please see attached letter of support for the proposed Conditional Use Permit for Grandma's House of Hope.
Best regards,
Amie Raiger
Arnie Raiger
949.375.4171
thebestofnewport. net
DRE#01513604
PR0PFRTIF '
1400 Newport Center Drive • Suite 100 • Newport Beach, CA 92660•DRE#01778230
Of 00n) (�O
1
10/26/2021
Amie Raiger
1400 Newport Center Dr. Newport Beach, Ca
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,
Signature
�_
_ �-