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.
|