Friendship Shelter Awarded $1.1 Million Samueli Foundation Grant to Expand Permanent Affordable Housing in South Orange County Funding will help transform a former motel into 11 units of permanent a

LAGUNA BEACH, Calif. — Friendship Shelter is proud to announce it has been awarded a $1.1 
million grant from the Samueli Foundation’s Build OC Fund, a transformative investment that 
will help accelerate the development of 11 units of permanent supportive affordable housing in 
South Orange County. 

The funding will support the conversion of a former motel in San Clemente into thoughtfully 
designed apartments for chronically homeless individuals with disabilities, transition-age youth
aged 18-25, and seniors—some of Orange County’s most vulnerable residents.

“We are deeply honored to be selected as a Build OC Fund recipient,” said Nishtha Mohendra, 
Friendship Shelter CEO. “This investment represents far more than a construction grant—it is 
an investment in dignity, stability, and long-term opportunity for people who have faced 
significant barriers to housing. Thanks to the Samueli Foundation, we can move this project 
forward and create permanent homes for individuals who need them most.” 

The project aligns closely with the Samueli Foundation’s vision of advancing well-being and 
opportunity for all by expanding the supply of permanent affordable housing and improving 
outcomes for vulnerable populations. Residents will have access to private living spaces within a 
community-centered environment designed to promote connection, accountability, and stability. 
Onsite and community-based support services will help residents improve health outcomes, 
maintain housing, and rebuild independence. 

Friendship Shelter currently serves nearly 200 tenants through its housing programs and is uniquely 
positioned to deliver immediate, lasting community impact thanks to the Samueli Foundation Build 
OC Fund grant, which leverages generous support received from CalOptima Health and The Quilter 
Family.
“With housing affordability challenges continuing across Orange County, projects like this 
demonstrate what can be accomplished when philanthropy, healthcare partners, government 
agencies, and community organizations work together,” said Wendy Aird, Friendship Shelter 
Board Chair. “The Build OC Fund investment allows us to deliver permanent housing solutions 
that not only address homelessness today but strengthen our community for years to come.”
Upon completion, the development will expand southern Orange County’s capacity to provide 
permanent, life-changing housing solutions and help advance Friendship Shelter’s mission to end 
homelessness, one person at a time. 

About Friendship Shelter
Friendship Shelter is a South Orange County nonprofit dedicated to ending homelessness through 
housing, shelter, and specialized support services. The organization provides a continuum of care