A Facility to Address Homelessness
(updated March 17, 2025)
The Salvation Army of Orange County’s ambitious project, Center of Hope, partnered with KARDENT Design Architecture Firm to help shape a new reality for those in need.
The issue of homelessness is a complex and multifaceted problem that affects many cities and communities across the United States, including Anaheim in Orange County, California, which is home to Disneyland and other popular tourist attractions.
According to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), homelessness in the U.S. spiked in recent years, reaching epidemic levels, with western states exhibiting the highest per capita rates. Anaheim, one of the largest cities in Orange County, is the tenth most populous city in California.
A Facility Designed to Make an Impact
In response to the growing homelessness crisis, the City of Anaheim declared a state of emergency in the summer of 2018, prompting the launch of the Center of Hope project. This initiative aimed to provide critical shelter and support services to residents in need, marking a significant step towards addressing the city’s homelessness epidemic.
KARDENT Design Architect Firm was hired to assist with the long-term project. The 6.9-acre Center of Hope campus was completed in October of 2023. Center of Hope serves as the headquarters for the nation’s Homeless Throughput System, an enterprise-level strategy offering a comprehensive Pathway of Hope program, providing support and “wrap-around” services designed to empower residents and guide them towards a better quality of life.
KARDENT Design Architect Firm helped with four main buildings:
- Emergency Shelter: Converted from a former motel, building construction for the 325-bed shelter was completed in January 2019 after an amazing turnaround of 75 days. This was achieved thanks to the teamwork and leadership of the City of Anaheim, The Salvation Army and KARDENT, as well as engineering and construction partners.
- Permanent Supportive Housing: With 72 units, each 350-square foot studio is furnished with an equipped kitchen and full bathroom. The housing tower also has a community room, computer room, gym, laundry amenities, and social services offices.
- Center for Applied Research and Innovation: Offering medical and dental care, job training, and an inspirational meditation garden.
- Drug and Alcohol Rehab Center: Drug and alcohol treatment services to regain health and stability, along with 175 beds.
Designing for a Greater Good: KARDENT’s Impact
The experience people have with their surroundings, shaped by the beauty and serenity it provides, fosters a sense of peace, pride, community belonging and hope. As a client of KARDENT for over a decade, The Salvation Army of Orange County recognizes this important element in the success of its programs. KARDENT collaborates with the Salvation Army to create a harmonious synergy. “We have instances where sometimes up-front costs may be more, but long-term it’s of high value and will end up saving money,” says Pedro Blanco, Sr. Architectural Designer at KARDENT.
The team works hard to ensure the ideal outcome, thinking of the long-term strategy and mission-vision-goals. “Everyone deserves to be surrounded by a peaceful setting that provides nature and beauty,” says Jodi Reese, President and Chief Creative Officer at KARDENT. “Our work with The Salvation Army of Orange County over the years has constantly inspired and challenged us to provide design elements that reflect the mission and budget, while providing a pleasing aesthetic.”
KARDENT’s contribution, as the design team for the Center of Hope, is deeply rooted in a profound understanding of the client’s current needs and their unwavering passion to serve others. The KARDENT team typically spends time donating efforts, in addition to working as a vendor on contract.
KARDENT loves to work with the community for the greater good and continues to take on community housing projects as needs arise. In addition to the Center of Hope, other projects completed in recent years include Atlantic Farms Bridge Housing Community and an Emergency COVID Response Site. A new Salvation Army Hospitality House, as well as Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services Tiny Homes, are in the planning phases.
The KARDENT Difference
Ready to bring your vision to life? KARDENT architecture firm offers creative ways to accomplish design solutions based on challenging and complex programmatic needs, while still making it special. Let us help you turn your ideas into reality. Contact us today to learn more about how our expertise can elevate your social services project and make a lasting impact.
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