The City of Santa Ana issued the county’s first project-based vouchers to provide supportive housing for domestic violence survivors.
SANTA ANA, Calif. – To address homelessness in Orange County, WISEPlace, a nonprofit providing housing and support for people in crisis since 1929, has officially opened its new permanent supportive housing community in Santa Ana called WISEPlace on Broadway. In partnership with Jamboree Housing Corporation (Jamboree), a nonprofit affordable housing developer, this development offers stable living solutions for the county’s most at-risk populations.
The new community offers a solution for domestic violence survivors, seniors, and individuals facing extreme hardship. The City of Santa Ana issued 25 project-based vouchers (PBV) from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to help subsidize rents. Out of the 25 PBVs, 15 are set aside for survivors of domestic violence, making this the only Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) community with set-aside vouchers for domestic violence survivors in Orange County.
“The City of Santa Ana is honored to support the development of WISEPlace on Broadway,” said Valerie Amezcua, mayor of Santa Ana. “As an organization, WISEPlace is an integral part of Santa Ana’s support network, having helped more than 8,780 women experiencing homelessness rebuild their lives. This important development embodies the spirit and values of our community — offering critical housing and services that will help at-risk women, while thoughtfully preserving the historic façade of the former YWCA building. In Santa Ana, we embrace both our history and our neighbors in need.”
The housing community was made possible through collaboration and support from the City of Santa Ana, Orange County Housing Finance Trust, Supervisor Katrina Foley, local business leaders, and the Santa Ana residents and community. The project cost was a $28.6 million investment, which was financed through various stakeholders, including the City of Santa Ana ($3.8 million in capital financing, $1.5 million to provide onsite services and 25 project-based vouchers), the County of Orange ($1.5 million in capital financing from the American Rescue Plan Act), Orange County Housing Finance Trust ($2.5 million in Mental Health Services Act funding), Bank of America ($15.7 million construction loan and $20.1 million in tax credit equity), and Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco ($705,000 as an Affordable Housing Program loan).
The timing of this development is crucial as homelessness in Orange County continues to rise. The 2024 Point in Time Count revealed that 7,322 persons are experiencing homelessness in the county, a 28% increase from 2022 to 2024. While this represents a significant increase in a short period, developments like WISEPlace on Broadway and public-private partnerships have helped the City of Santa Ana reduce homelessness by 19% over five years — more than all other cities in the county combined.
“WISEPlace on Broadway is so much more than a building – it is a community where lives will be transformed,” said Brateil Aghasi, chief executive officer of WISEPlace. “This new permanent supportive housing development will not only provide a roof over someone’s head, but also offer the resources and support needed to rebuild lives and create lasting change.”
The 43,000-square-foot supportive community features 47 studio apartments designated for individuals earning no more than 30% of the area median income, and one two-bedroom manager’s unit as the 48th unit.
Each of the 47 furnished affordable housing units has bathrooms, showers, and kitchenettes. The community spaces include financial empowerment learning labs, dedicated wrap-around service areas, private counseling and case management spaces, wellness and fitness rooms, and a welcoming outdoor courtyard with community gardens and room for domestic pets.
Additional enhancements at WISEPlace on Broadway include natural landscaping to create a home-like environment, an upgraded security system with front office staff onsite 24/7, expanded parking, seismic upgrades, and operating kitchens.
“I am safe, and I am home. I’m grateful to be in a healing place that is finally home,” said Ange, resident at WISEPlace on Broadway. “WISEPlace on Broadway really feels like my home.”
“This is high-quality housing with a purpose,” stated Laura Archuleta, president and chief executive officer of Jamboree Housing Corporation. “WISEPlace on Broadway meets a critical need in Orange County by providing survivors of domestic violence and individuals overcoming homelessness with the stability and services they need to heal, move forward, and thrive.”
For more information on WISEPlace on Broadway, visit https://wiseplace.org/expansion/.