Families Forward   

What started out in 1984 as a humble effort to house families experiencing homelessness in two farmhouses and five rented apartments, has since grown into one of Orange County’s most impactful nonprofits. Families Forward is nimble and first provides housing solutions for families, including emergency motel stays, brief interim housing support, rapid re-housing assistance and affordable housing, because families come to us with varying needs. Once housing is stabilized, a "care team" engages to provide comprehensive support services that include a food pantry, mental health counseling, career coaching, life-skills and personal finance education, and supplies for low-income families with children heading back-to-school and preparing for the holidays. Families Forward provides homeless families, or families at risk of homelessness, with tools and education to maintain self-sufficiency, including money management skills to reduce debt, increase income and/or establish savings. We are proud that Families Forward has earned Charity Navigator's top 4-star ratings for the past 14 years, placing us in the top 2% of rated charities nationwide. Thanks to Families Forward's exemplary management of resources, an extensive volunteer corps and thousands of food and product donations, 90% of financial contributions directly fund programs and services to our clients.