With BLA’s Help, Hope Family Housing Project Provides Transitional Housing
to 16 Families

Six years of effort and the generous contributions from over 150 companies and individuals have led to the creation of Hope Family Housing, Buena Park’s first transitional housing development for homeless families, who will eventually move into the community. The newest addition to Orange County’s inventory of affordable housing stock opened with a dedication ceremony in May.

Developed by the City of Buena Park, HomeAid Orange County and the Orange County Rescue Mission, the $5.4 million, 19,407-square-foot town home community will provide homes for approximately 80 individuals, most of whom were previously living out of motels. It includes a Manager’s Apartment and 16 fully furnished units, ranging from 900 to 1,100 square feet on two levels.

Each apartment includes a kitchen, dining room, two to three bedrooms, a bathroom, laundry room and access for parking. In addition, there is a spacious common outdoor play area for children and a 1,500-square-foot common meeting room and computer room.

Pathway to independence: The primary focus of Hope Family Housing is to provide an environment of independent living, with support services available to residents over a six-month to two-year period. This process will be outlined to the residents as part of their application process. The measurable outcome will be achieved when the residents move to self-sufficient living without the use of welfare.

Residents, who must be working, will pay a monthly rent on a sliding scale with an approximate range of $400 to $1,020 to cover operational costs. An on-site manager will provide accountability, safety oversight and coordination.

HomeAid Orange County is the founding chapter of a national non-profit organization with the mission to build dignified housing where homeless families and individuals can rebuild their lives. Founded in 1989 by the Orange County Chapter of the Building Industry Association of Southern California, HomeAid acts as the housing developer and liaison between service providers, community volunteers, builders and specialty contractors.

Working with John Laing Homes, the Building Industry of America, and the Children and Family Commission of Orange County, Bassenian/Lagoni Architects played a crucial role in the development of Hope Family Housing, providing both land planning and design services. The BLA team included:

• Land Planning: Scott Adams and Michael Wu.
• Design: John Bigot, Ryan White and Steven Dewan.
• Colors: Edie Motoyama and Erik Kelenc.

Other BLA employees who devoted their time and energies include Brian Neves, Ken Niemerski, Jeff Ganyo, Sophia Braverman, Phillip Lee, Chris Velasquez, Maleck Elahi and Randy Brown.

Many thanks and warm congratulations to all!