June 6, 2023

OC Grand Jury Highlights youth Homelessness

Project Hope Alliance acknowledges the Orange County Grand Jury’s report, “The ABCs of Educating Children Experiencing Homelessness” released May 25, 2023. Project Hope Alliance agrees with and fully supports the Grand Jury’s findings and recommendations.

Project Hope Alliance acknowledges the Orange County Grand Jury’s report, “The ABCs of Educating Children Experiencing Homelessness” released May 25, 2023. Project Hope Alliance agrees with and fully supports the Grand Jury’s findings and recommendations.

As a leading homeless youth-serving organization in Orange County, Project Hope Alliance was summoned by the Grand Jury in August 2022 to share our experience and expertise concerning youth homelessness in Orange County, our current program and strategic partnership model, and successful youth outcomes as a result of our innovative model of care.

Says CEO, Jennifer Friend, “For the past decade Project Hope Alliance’s greatest challenge has been the invisibility of our kids. The Grand Jury’s report has lifted that and demanded action on their behalf. When we as a community prioritize the unique needs of children experiencing homelessness, meeting the needs of the whole child while measurably improving their academic performance, incredible things happen inside and outside of the classroom. We are grateful for our district, city, and nonprofit partners that are enabling us to end the cycle of generational homelessness.”

No single public agency or nonprofit organization can address Orange County’s youth homelessness crisis alone. Project Hope Alliance is ready to meet this moment by collaborating with the County of Orange, cities, districts, schools, and nonprofits to develop coordinated, effective evidence-based solutions that will improve academic and life outcomes for children experiencing homelessness. Project Hope Alliance thanks the members of the Orange County Grand Jury for bringing awareness and attention to the youth homelessness crisis in our community.