Advocacy Efforts
We maintain a strong presence in our community - always reminding our friends and neighbors of the importance of creating more affordable housing
We co-founded the Homes for All Coalition in South OC - and work with them to help train local residents on housing policy and how to advocate for more affordable housing
The National Renaissance (National CORE) Mountain View project, which will include 71 affordable and permanent supportive housing units, is the first major development that Welcoming Neighbors Home volunteers advocated for.
Outcomes We Pursue
Affordable housing for extremely low-income, very low-income, and low income individuals and families will be available in all South Orange County cities
125 permanent supportive housing units in Lake Forest by 2025.
700 permanent supportive housing units in South Orange County by 2035.
Our Advocacy Focus
We focus on these South Orange County cities: Aliso Viejo, Dana Point, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, and Rancho Santa Margarita.
We advocate for a “housing first” policy – where people are first housed so that other matters can be better addressed.
We advocate for permanent supportive housing – because housing with wrap-around services have proven to be the most effective approach to ending homelessness.
We advocate for inclusionary housing policies/ordinances – requiring new developments to include affordable housing for people with extremely low, very low, and low incomes.
We monitor city housing element progress – with particular emphasis on site inventory parcels for new construction so we can advocate for the construction of extremely low, very low, and low income housing on those parcels.
Our Advocacy Approach
We focus on these South Orange County cities: Aliso Viejo, Dana Point, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, and Rancho Santa Margarita.
We advocate for a “housing first” policy – where people are first housed so that other matters can be better addressed.
We advocate for permanent supportive housing – because housing with wrap-around services have proven to be the most effective approach to ending homelessness.
We advocate for inclusionary housing policies/ordinances – requiring new developments to include affordable housing for people with extremely low, very low, and low incomes.
We monitor city housing element progress – with particular emphasis on site inventory parcels for new construction so we can advocate for the construction of extremely low, very low, and low income housing on those parcels.
Advocacy Opportunities
BECOME A CANARY (City Monitor)
Become a “Canary” and join us in monitoring the city council and planning commission agenda to give us an “early warning” of when a city is considering new housing developments. You will be provided with training so you will know what to look for.
If interested, fill out the form linked below.
BECOME A HOUSING ADVOCATE
Become an advocate by writing letters to elected officials and/or speaking at city council and Orange County Board of Supervisor meetings in support of affordable and supportive housing. We will provide training and notify you of advocacy opportunities.
If interested, fill out the form linked below.
Advocacy Resources
Below are examples of our advocacy work, and tools to help you build your own. For addition resources on homelessness and advocacy, visit the page linked here.
City Monitor and Advocate Resources
Alert forms, city contact information, and other resources can be found at the page linked below.
Advocate Resources
Housing Element Advocacy
To find recommendations for cities working on housing elements, resources for advocates reviewing housing elements, and previous examples of WNH's work, visit the page linked below.
Housing Element Advocacy
Public Comment Tip Sheet
Making a public comment to a city council is one of the most impactful ways to practice your advocacy. Below is a helpful guide to writing your comments.
Public Comment Tips