Santa Ana, Calif. – To combat homelessness in Orange County, WISEPlace, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting those in crisis since 1929, has opened the doors to its new permanent supportive housing community in Santa Ana: WISEPlace on Broadway. In collaboration with Jamboree Housing Corporation, this innovative development offers stable living solutions for some of the county’s most vulnerable populations, including survivors of domestic violence, seniors, and individuals facing extreme hardship.
The development is particularly groundbreaking as it includes 25 project-based vouchers (PBVs) from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to help subsidize rents. Of these, 15 PBVs are specifically allocated for survivors of domestic violence, making WISEPlace on Broadway the only Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) community in Orange County with set-aside vouchers for this group.
A Growing Need for Affordable Housing in Orange County
The timing of this new community couldn’t be more crucial. The 2024 Point in Time Count revealed that 7,322 individuals in Orange County are currently experiencing homelessness—a 28% increase since 2022. Despite this troubling rise, initiatives like WISEPlace on Broadway have helped reduce homelessness in the City of Santa Ana by 19% over the past five years, a greater reduction than all other cities in the county combined.
“WISEPlace on Broadway is more than just a building – it’s a community where lives will be transformed,” said Brateil Aghasi, CEO of WISEPlace. “This development will not only provide shelter but also offer the resources needed to rebuild lives and create lasting change.”
What WISEPlace on Broadway Offers
The new 43,000-square-foot supportive community features 47 studio apartments designed for individuals earning no more than 30% of the area median income. Each unit is fully furnished and includes a bathroom, shower, and kitchenette. The community also offers several shared spaces, including:
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Financial empowerment learning labs
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Wrap-around service areas
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Private counseling and case management spaces
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Wellness and fitness rooms
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An outdoor courtyard with community gardens
WISEPlace on Broadway also features enhanced security with 24/7 front office staff, natural landscaping to create a home-like atmosphere, seismic upgrades, expanded parking, and operating kitchens.
“I’m safe, and I am home. I'm grateful to be in a healing place that is finally home,” said Ange, a resident of WISEPlace on Broadway.
A Collaborative Effort to End Homelessness
This project was made possible through a collaborative effort between the City of Santa Ana, Orange County Housing Finance Trust, Supervisor Katrina Foley, and other local business leaders. With a total investment of $28.6 million, the project secured funding from various stakeholders, including:
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The City of Santa Ana: $3.8 million in capital financing and $1.5 million for onsite services
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The County of Orange: $1.5 million in funding from the American Rescue Plan Act
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Bank of America: $15.7 million in construction loan and $20.1 million in tax credit equity
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Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco: $705,000 Affordable Housing Program loan
“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,” said Laura Archuleta, president and CEO of Jamboree Housing Corporation.
The Importance of Strategic Housing Investments
“This grand opening is a testament to how strategic investments in housing can quickly bring vital resources and stability to women, individuals, and families facing homelessness and domestic violence,” said Katrina Foley, vice chair of the Orange County Board of Supervisors. “Through collaboration and strategic funding, we’ve expedited this development by at least three years, helping our community members get on the path to a better tomorrow.”
Valerie Amezcua, Mayor of Santa Ana, also emphasized the importance of preserving the historic façade of the former YWCA building while providing modern amenities for residents, stating, "WISEPlace on Broadway embodies the spirit of our community—offering critical housing and services to those in need."
A New Beginning for Residents
This grand opening marks a new chapter for WISEPlace and the individuals and families who will call WISEPlace on Broadway their home. As Vicente Sarmiento, supervisor on the Orange County Board of Supervisors, stated, "The opening of WISEPlace marks a milestone in the effort to support vulnerable residents escaping domestic violence, with stable and supportive housing that truly addresses their needs."
For more information on WISEPlace on Broadway, visit WISEPlace Expansion.
About WISEPlace
Since 1929, WISEPlace has provided hope and housing to nearly 9,000 of Orange County’s most vulnerable residents, offering permanent housing and temporary rental assistance, as well as employment, legal, medical, and mental health services. This spring, WISEPlace has expanded its services with the WISEPlace on Broadway development in Santa Ana.
About Jamboree Housing Corporation
Founded in 1990, Jamboree Housing Corporation is a nonprofit housing development company that provides affordable housing to 24,000+ residents across California. With a focus on creating high-quality, environmentally sustainable communities, Jamboree continues to be a leader in affordable housing development and management.