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Date:5/29/2025 4:05:57 PM
From:"Michael Valentine" michaelv@habitatoc.org
To:"Public Comment" publiccomment@anaheim.net
Cc:"Velma de la Rosa" velma@habitatoc.org, "Chris Georgieff" chrisg@habitatoc.org
Subject:[EXTERNAL] Public Comment – Anaheim Local Housing Trust Fund Program
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Public Comment – Anaheim Local Housing Trust Fund Program
Submitted by: Michael Valentine, President & CEO, Habitat for Humanity of Orange County
My name is Michael Valentine, and I am speaking on behalf of Habitat for Humanity of Orange County. We deeply appreciate the City of Anaheim’s continued leadership in
addressing the housing crisis and commend your thoughtful proposal to allocate $15 million through the Anaheim Local Housing Trust Fund.
W hile we fully support the proposed $9.5 million investment in the development of affordable rental housing, we respectfully urge the Council to expand the program to include a
stronger commitment to affordable homeownership development. This is a vital piece of the housing continuum that must not be overlooked if Anaheim is to truly meet the
needs of its working families.
The proposed $5 million allocation for first-time homebuyer assistance is a positive step, but it focuses solely on individual down payment support. It does not include funding for
nonprofit developers like Habitat OC who are actively building new homes that low-income families can own. Homeownership is not just a housing solution—it is a powerful tool for
long-term stability, generational wealth-building, and community resilience.
Habitat for Humanity of Orange County has a long-standing, proven track record of delivering successful affordable homeownership outcomes:
W e have built 239 homes across 17 cities in Orange County over the past 35 years.
283 families have become homeowners through our programs.
In Anaheim, we’ve built 6 homes—and are ready to do more.
Among the families we’ve served, 4 are Disneyland employees—hardworking members of Anaheim’s community.
Beyond new construction, we’ve completed 296 home preservation projects, helping 572 individuals remain safely in their homes.
The need is only increasing. In California, 1 in 5 low-income families spends more than half their income on housing. In Orange County, the median home price has skyrocketed to
$1.2 million—a 12.8% increase from last year alone. For a family of four earning $109,280 (the low-income threshold in our county), affordable housing costs should not exceed
$2,753 per month. At current market prices, homeownership is simply out of reach for families like these—unless we act.
This is why Anaheim must invest in affordable homeownership. Without it, the dream of owning a home will continue to slip away for thousands of Anaheim families who work
here, serve here, and deserve the chance to stay rooted in their community.
Habitat OC stands ready to partner with the City of Anaheim to deliver high-quality, affordable homes using the strength of our volunteers, donors, and grant partners—combined
with city investment. With additional funding support through the Anaheim Local Housing Trust Fund, we can create more pathways to homeownership, enabling families to build
equity and stability for generations to come.
W e respectfully urge the Council to expand funding allocations to include nonprofit developers and make affordable homeownership a key pillar of Anaheim’s housing
strategy. Thank you for your time, your consideration, and your continued commitment to the families of this great city.
Sincerely,
Michae l Valentine
Preside nt & CEO
2200 Ritchey Stre e t, Santa Ana, CA 92705
(714) 434-6200
(
mi chae lv@habitatoc.org
www.Habi tatOC.org
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