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Public Comment
From:Jolynn Mahoney <
Sent:Monday, November 23, 2020 3:12 PM
To:Public Comment
Subject:Public Comment on Nov 24 Agenda Item 29 Covenant House CA Project
Attachments:Covenant House CA Nov 23 2020 letter re Anaheim.pdf
Dear City of Anaheim,
I request that you distribute my attached letter to the Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem, and all other Anaheim City Council
Members, respectively.
My letter addresses Agenda Item # 29.
Sincerely,
Jolynn Mahoney
1
November 23, 2020
th
Attention Anaheim City Council Members for Tuesday, November 24
Council Meeting Agenda Item # 29
Attention:
Mayor Harry Sidhu
Mayor Pro Tem Stephen Faessel
Council Member Denise Barns
Council Member Jordan Brandman
Council Member Jose Morena
Council Member Lucille Kring
Council Member Trevor O’Neil
Dear Anaheim Council,
I address you today with a plea for your support to uphold the Anaheim Planning Commissions decision
to open the Covenant House California Home in Anaheim for youth and young adults. I am a resident of
Anaheim.
I have had the pleasure to meet Bill Bedrosian, CEO of Covenant House California and have toured and
seen their housing programs and support services. I also know Covenant House board members who
have expressed their enthusiasm in their involvement with this incredibly important non-profit
organization. I have seen first-hand, how their programs assist homeless youth/young adults who have
nowhere to turn, and no other means of a support system, to not only get off of the street, but
participate in programs that help them complete their education and obtain employment. Their
programs are immensely successful, and they are changing young peoples lives. Covenant house helps
these young people go from daily survival, to a stable environment where they can completely turn their
lives around to be independent and productive adults, and sustain themselves, safely and with dignity.
I have heard about some Anaheim residents being fearful that these youth are simply criminals that will
terrorize their neighborhood in the area of this planned home. I vehemently disagree with this rumor
and fear mongering. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. Giving these youth transitional housing and
programs to better themselves; get out of their unfortunate situations, creates a respect and bond for
them to our community. Helping them find jobs in our community is a win win for us and for them.
Of all of the things facing our Anaheim community this year, this is not one that should be controversial.
It’s exactly what is needed; it’s the right thing to do. I urge you to open your minds and heart and
approve this Covenant House project. Let us provide hope in this most difficult year for all, and a
holiday season that marked the beginning of a hand up, and not a hand-out.
Kind regards,
Jolynn Mahoney