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OC offers a solid foundation of care and support. People – especially children – have a deep-seated need for a roof over their heads and 4 walls around them. Such permanence is a key to a healthy and successful life, but it can be difficult for homeless families to regain without the right kind of assistance. According to the Department of Housing and Urban Development, nearly 2,000 Orange County children were homeless and nearly 10,000 more doubled or tripled up: that is, 2 or more families living at the same address. Homelessness generally results from financial reversals, medical or family problems, eviction or unaffordable rent. According to the 2007 Orange County Community Indicators report, “The inability to save a deposit was the main reason cited by families and individuals living in Anaheim motels” for homelessness. In Orange County, we are fortunate to have a number of organizations demonstrating every day that community action can do much to combat homelessness among families: HomeAid Orange County is the charitable arm of the local Building Industry Assocation (BIA) that mobilizes members, businesses, governments and volunteers to build and renovate shelters for homeless families. HomeAid has built 39 shelters throughout the county and is currently working on 3 more. The Orange County Rescue Mission’s Strong Beginnings program gives homeless individuals and families – or families at-risk of homelessness – an avenue to permanent housing. Strong Beginnings delivers services, eliminates transportation barriers and increases access to resources. So far this year, it moved 20 families from homelessness to housing Collete’s Children’s Home in Huntington Beach provides residential-care services for 40 women and their children under 5 years old. It helps homeless moms establish stable, healthy lives for their families, assisting with health insurance and pointing them to community health services, among other services. Southern California Alcohol and Drug Program (SCADP) Heritage House Village in Anaheim is a refuge for mothers of young children recovering from substance abuse. Children receive developmental and health assessments, and moms learn parenting skills in a safe drug- and alcohol-free environment. Fullerton Interfaith Emergency Service is a similar facility where homeless families live for 3-4 months and get a fresh start. Families receive counseling and support services, and take classes in budget planning, health, employment, nutrition and childcare. Casa Teresa helps young mothers lacking family support avoid homelessness and build a healthy life of responsibility and self-reliance. Casa Teresa provides housing for up to 33 moms and 18 babies in their apartment complex in Old Towne Orange. Residents are required to get jobs in order to achieve self-sufficiency. Funding from organizations, such as the Children and Families Commission of Orange County, helps Casa Teresa moms bridge the barrier to opportunity. Precious Life Shelter offers a similar residential program where homeless, pregnant women can deliver safe and healthy babies, staying for up to 2 years while finding jobs and learning parenting skills. Graduates leave the program with full-time jobs and money saved for transportation, housing and insurance. For families who are homeless or at risk of becoming so, a helping hand at the right time can mean security and opportunity. Local, autonomous programs like these are that helping hand. If you know anyone who may need such help, contact the Orange County 211 call center to access the right support services. This article was supplied by the Children and Families Commission of Orange County. For information, visit occhildrenandfamilies.com. |
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