Cooper Housing Institute's Grant Fuels Unique Intergenerational Housing in Orange County

A Landmark Intergenerational Housing Initiative in Orange County

On December 2, 2025, the Cooper Housing Institute (CHI) proudly announced a significant grant aimed at advancing a pioneering project— the Richard Lehn Intergenerational Campus. This initiative by Illumination Health + Home (IH+H) stands as a first-of-its-kind development in Orange County, designed to foster community and connection among older adults, families, and transitional-age youth. Located in busy Santa Ana, California, the innovative campus aims to bring together various generations under one supportive roof, providing essential services tailored to the unique needs of each age group.

A Vision for Community and Support

At the heart of this initiative is a powerful vision articulated by Will Cooper Jr., President and Co-Founder of CHI. He emphasized the importance of housing as a fundamental cornerstone of dignity, stability, and opportunity. As he stated, "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." This project aims not only to tackle homelessness but also to empower and enrich the community fabric for current and future generations.

Details of the Richard Lehn Intergenerational Campus

The campus, strategically located at 918-920 N. Bewley Street in Santa Ana, is currently under construction and projected to open in early 2026. It will feature a total of 11 residential units, including one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, accessible for older adults, children, and young adults. Notably, eight of the units will be specifically reserved for transitional-age youth.

The design of the communal layouts will prioritize shared spaces that encourage interactions and relationships across generations. Understanding that the needs of these diverse age groups vary significantly, the campus will offer onsite wrap-around services, which will include medical care, behavioral health support, and specialized early childhood development programs.

One notable component of the campus is its preschool, which will be renovated and managed in collaboration with Head Start. This provision not only ensures quality upper educational experiences for young children but also establishes a day-to-day interaction point for families and older adults, thereby fostering intergenerational relationships.

Coalition Support

The project is significantly bolstered by a coalition of public and private partners which includes entities such as the Samueli Foundation and CalOptima Health. This collaborative effort reflects a robust commitment to innovation in housing and social support systems within the region.

With the grant from CHI, IH+H can accelerate construction and move towards realizing a communal living environment that promotes mutual support, understanding, and cooperation among its residents. This initiative is anticipated to accommodate 36 residents simultaneously, providing a stable and supportive environment for families navigating challenging circumstances.

About the Organizations Behind the Initiative

Cooper Housing Institute is a respected national non-profit organization focused on transforming housing across the United States. It champions models that reconcile affordability with quality and social impact, and actively collaborates with a host of developers, operators, and public agencies.

Illumination Health + Home is a dedicated 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that aims to disrupt the cycle of homelessness through a comprehensive continuum of care. This includes strategies ranging from outreach and emergency housing solutions to long-term supportive housing for adults and children alike.

As the Richard Lehn Intergenerational Campus takes shape, it stands as a hopeful testament to what can be achieved when innovative thinking aligns with dedicated funding and community engagement. The project's unique approach to intergenerational living sets a precedent that could inspire future housing solutions across the nation.