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January 22, 2024

Dear Friends,

 

It is with a heavy heart that we share the news of the passing of our beloved friend, mentor, and founding Executive Director, Allen P. Baldwin.


Allen played a pivotal role in our organization’s mission to create affordable housing and uplift the lives of the less fortunate. Allen was not only a dedicated leader, but also a compassionate advocate for those in need. His tireless efforts have left an indelible mark on our organization, and his legacy will continue to inspire us. 


As the FIRST Executive Director serving since 1978, Allen has dedicated his career to its mission, “to transition extremely low-income families towards greater self-sufficiency by assisting them with housing and education”. 


With experience of an early career as a developer at Watt Industries, Allen paved the way for development of affordable housing in Orange County at the extremely low-income level. He was on the founding board for organizations such as the OC Homeless Issues Task Force, the Clearinghouse CDFI, the Affordable Housing Clearinghouse, the Kennedy Commission and has served in an advisory capacity for Thomas House and Saddleback Community Outreach assisting in the acquisition of their first residential properties.

Recognizing the power in stabilizing a family in need and educating them for the future, Allen was the visionary behind the creation of OCCHC’s signature program, SteppingUP.

A message from the Baldwin family

In the early morning hours of January 19, 2024, Allen Peters Baldwin put down his shovel for the last time, peacefully passing surrounded by family, love and laughter. He was a loving husband of 57 years to Linda Sue “Holly” Baldwin. He was a devoted father to 4, a doting grandfather to 10 and a proud great grandfather to 11. Long time resident of Lake Elsinore, Treasurer of City Council, Navy Veteran, founder of Orange County Community Housing. 


Allen Baldwin spent his life in service to others. In his honor, please do not send flowers, but do an act of service in his name and remember his 3 favorite quotes:

 “Be the change you want to see in the world.”  


“Handle it!”


“HAVE FUN OUT THERE!”   

Allen, we thank you for over 45 years of service to our families. Thank you for creating a legacy that will continue to live on within each of us. We send our condolences to the Baldwin family and thank you for sharing him with us for all these years.

 

We will be organizing a memorial service to honor his life and contributions, details will be shared with the community soon.


In Allen, we have lost a true champion for the cause of affordable housing and helping the poor. Let us remember and celebrate the impactful work he accomplished. Rest in peace, we will miss you dear friend.


-Your OCCHC/SteppingUP family

*A memorial in Orange County will be planned in Allen's honor.

If you have a special memory you would like to share in Allen's honor,

please email Erin Gunther at erin@occhc.org.

Since 1977, OCCHC/SteppingUP has remained committed to its mission

"to transition extremely low-income families towards greater self-sufficiency

by assisting them with housing and education".


For more information or to donate today, visit our website at www.occhc.org

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