Illumination Health + Home, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides interdisciplinary services for homeless adults and children is underway with construction of the Richard Lehn Intergenerational Campus. 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.
“We believe in investing in innovative, proven models that offer real solutions — especially for the populations experiencing the steepest rise in homelessness: transition-age youth and older adults,” said Dr. Shauntina Sorrells, Chief Program Officer at the Samueli Foundation. “This intergenerational campus is a bold step toward expanding access to supportive housing and services in ways that promote healing, dignity, and opportunity for multiple generations.”
Slated to open in early 2026 in Santa Ana, Calif., 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.
“This was the final piece of the puzzle,” said Dr. Pooja Bhalla, CEO of Illumination Health + Home. “Because of the Samueli Foundation and the combined support of our public and private partners, we can move forward with a model that brings three generations together in one healing, supportive community. We are deeply grateful to every donor who believed in this intergenerational campus project.”
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.
“Our family is honored to help create a place where children, parents, and older adults can heal, rebuild, and thrive together,” said Dr. DuPont-Carlson. “By working hand-in-hand with both public agencies and private philanthropy, we can accelerate solutions and give hope to those who need it most.”
“CalOptima Health is committed to supporting the Orange County community by investing in organizations such as Illumination to collaboratively create solutions and supportive services to meet the needs and challenges of our members who are unhoused or facing housing insecurity,” said Michael Hunn, CEO of CalOptima Health.
“At Cooper Housing Institute, we believe housing is the foundation for dignity, stability, and opportunity. The Richard Lehn Intergenerational Campus represents an innovative model that brings together seniors, families, and young people in a way that fosters connection and resilience,” added Will Cooper Jr., President and Co-Founder of Cooper Housing Institute. “We are proud to support a project that not only addresses homelessness but also strengthens the fabric of our community for generations to come.”
With the campus set to deliver much-needed housing and services, local leaders are already expressing their support.
“Santa Ana is proud to be part of a project that reflects our city’s values—compassion, innovation, and collaboration,” said Santa Ana Mayor Valerie Amezcua. “The Richard Lehn Intergenerational Campus will provide safety, services, and hope for residents who need it most.”
Congressman Lou Correa added, “This is what’s possible when federal resources, local leadership, and private philanthropy come together. It’s an investment in people and in a stronger, healthier Orange County.”
The Richard Lehn Intergenerational Campus is a permanent supportive housing development with two residential buildings for families and seniors and a preschool. The project includes the rehabilitation of two (2) two-story residential buildings into eleven (11) rental units comprising two (2) one-bedroom units, seven (7) two-bedrooms units, and two (2) three-bedroom units. Eight (8) units are restricted to transitional age youth (TAY), two (2) units are for seniors, and one (1) unit for a property manager. An existing preschool building will be renovated and will continue to be a preschool operated by Head Start. At the meeting, we will provide general information as well as answer questions and receive input from the community. This project has been provided a pre-commitment letter by the City Council for $2,021,319 in Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention funds, and eight (8) project-base vouchers.
About Illumination Health + Home
Illumination Health + Home is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that provides targeted, interdisciplinary services for the most vulnerable homeless adults and children to disrupt the cycle of homelessness. The organization provides a full continuum of care from street to home, including case management, medical coordination, behavioral health and substance use counseling, and housing navigation to our vulnerable clients in shelters/navigation centers, family emergency homes, recuperative care/medical respite
facilities, and permanent supportive housing. To learn more, visit www.ifhomeless.org.