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10/21/25
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Illumination Health + Home has begun construction of the Richard Lehn Intergenerational Campus in Santa Ana. The campus will be the first of its kind in Orange County and is slated to play a pivotal role in addressing homelessness by offering intergenerational programming for seniors, transitional-aged youth (TAY) families and children. Illumination Health + Home is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides interdisciplinary services for homeless adults and children.
Slated to open in early 2026, the campus comes at a time where the homeless population continues to rise across Orange County. The 2024 Orange County Point-in-Time count identified 1,155 seniors (aged 62+) and 454 TAY experiencing homelessness, showing a significant increase since 2022.
The campus is designed to reduce isolation, foster strong support networks, and provide access to a full continuum of services. Featuring a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom units, the community will accommodate approximately 36 individuals at a time. In addition to fostering intergenerational connections among seniors, transitional-aged youth (TAY) families, and children, the Richard Lehn Intergenerational Campus will deliver tailored services for each age group. Seniors will have access to regular medical care and onsite behavioral health counseling, while children will benefit from developmental screenings, connections to specialized support, linkage to health care homes, dental screenings, early literacy programs, and more.
Illumination Health + Home is partnering with Orangewood Foundation, the leading provider of youth and young adult services in Orange County, to deliver specialized programming for TAY at the campus. Leveraging Orangewood’s deep experience serving this population, the partnership will provide high-quality, culturally competent services such as job readiness training, support in developing and achieving educational goals, and essential life-skills development.
“The need among teens and young adults is greater than ever,” said Chris Simonsen, CEO of Orangewood Foundation. “By joining forces with Illumination, we’re not only expanding housing opportunities but also creating pathways to stability and independence for youth who might otherwise fall through the cracks.”
As a result of its unique and innovative approach, the campus drew interest and funding from a coalition of public and private organizations. Additional donors and partners include CalOptima Health; the City of Santa Ana’s Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention (HHAP) grant; a federal Congressional District 46 Community Project Grant secured by Congressman Lou Correa; the Cooper Housing Institute; and a major gift from Marc and Dr. Jacqueline DuPont-Carlson – who named the campus after her father.
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