Delhi Center

Our mission is to advance self-sufficiency through sustainable programs in health, financial stability, education, and community engagement.

In 1969, the inception of Delhi Center marked a transformative moment, emerging as a nonprofit organization through the collaborative efforts of residents, the local Catholic Church, and the Junior League of Newport Beach. Generosity from the National Armory, with the donation of two WWII era Quonset Huts, and the Esqueda family, contributing the land on the corner of Center and Halladay, laid the foundation for the organization's journey.

The community faced evident signs of distress and social displacement during the 1990 Census, marked by young households grappling with high unemployment rates and low educational levels. The rise in gang involvement and crime led to an exodus of older families, tarnishing the neighborhood's image. In response, concerted efforts were initiated to uplift the community, uniting diverse social groups to advocate for the expansion of Delhi Park and the construction of a new community center.

In 2001, a historic milestone was achieved as Delhi Center, with support from the City and resident focus groups, constructed the largest community center in Santa Ana. The collaboration secured grant funding from various sources, epitomizing the collective voice of the community. With unwavering support from elected officials, residents, and private sponsors, Delhi Center proudly opened its doors at the current location on December 17, 2001.

Entering into a unique partnership with the City of Santa Ana, Delhi Center owns the building while the land is owned by the City. This distinctive collaboration has facilitated a plethora of beneficial services, not only for the Delhi neighborhood but also for the broader Santa Ana community.

Welcoming over 42,000 individuals annually, Delhi Center serves as a pivotal gathering place for local residents and organizations across Orange County. Delhi Center has become a beacon of service for people of all ages and backgrounds. Its rich history, resilience, and profound impact bear testament to the dedication of those it serves, embodying the enduring hope that defines its legacy. It stands as an investment vehicle, allowing programs and services to impact the lives of the most challenged neighbors, while simultaneously igniting the potential for all community members to thrive.

Serving and impacting the lives of over 130,000 individuals annually, Delhi Center is a vital hub for local residents and organizations throughout Southern California. With programs and services tailored to meet the diverse needs of the community, Delhi Center has become a trusted source of support and empowerment for people of all ages and backgrounds.

In 2024 and half of 2025, through our Youth Programs, Family Empowerment, and essential services, we have been able to provide direct, life-changing assistance to thousands. Below is an overview of our key impact:

205 Youth Participants: The average household income of our youth participants is $39,412, with most families consisting of five or more individuals. Notably, close to 30% of these youth live in single-parent households, whether under the care of a parent, guardian, or grandparent. Through mentorship, leadership training, and skills development, we are empowering the next generation to succeed in life.

60 Family Empowerment Participants: With an average household income of $24,000, these families face significant economic challenges. We continue to offer resources and for our residents to help attain some level of self-sufficiency - this process is ongoing and vital.

Community-Wide Impact in 2024:
130,000 Individuals Reached: Through direct services and community engagement.
2,300 Programs: Addressing critical needs and fostering overall well-being for individuals and families.
4500 Guests Attending Resource Fair Events: Connecting individuals with essential resources and support services.
28,000 Guests Served through Rental Programs: Offering affordable, safe spaces for community events and services.
92,000 Individuals Served through Food Distribution: Ensuring that families have access to nutritious meals and alleviating food insecurity across the region.

At Delhi Center, we remain committed to meeting the community where they are and providing holistic care that addresses both immediate needs and long-term aspirations. Through our programs, we are not just helping individuals today but creating pathways for sustainable success for future generations.

Delhi Center serves as a vital resource for over 130,000 individuals annually, offering essential services to low-income families, youth, and seniors across Southern California. While we’ve made significant strides in helping our community, the need for support continues to outpace our current capacity.
In 2024, we saw continued need rising beyond 2023 numbers, demonstrating the vast reach of our programs and the high demand for services in our community. However, due to limited resources, we were only able to provide comprehensive care management plans for 60 families and individual empowerment plans for 40 youth.
Our community faces significant economic hardships, with clients having a median household income of $24,500. Additionally, the average of households has 5 or more individuals in them.
To address this growing need, Delhi Center must expand its capacity. By adding an additional Case Manager, hiring a Community Health Worker, and increasing hours for staff on our youth development team, we will be able to increase our positive throughout 2025 leading into 2026. This will enable us to provide critical case management and empowerment plans to a greater number of families and youth, ensuring they receive the holistic support needed to thrive.
Without increased resources, many in our community will continue to go without the help they need. Delhi Center urgently requires additional funding to bridge the gap and ensure that no family or child is left behind in their journey toward stability and success.

Delhi Center serves all of Orange County, California with particular emphasis on Santa Ana residents. A special effort is made to provide specific programs and services to residents who live in the Delhi neighborhood, one of the oldest neighborhoods in the City of Santa Ana.

When people talk about the Delhi neighborhood of Santa Ana, they often focus on the challenges—environmental injustices, health risks, housing insecurity, and other barriers families face. While these realities are true, at the Delhi Center we see something more: resilience, community, and hope.

Every week, over 500 individuals, families, and unhoused neighbors come through our doors for food and support. Every Tuesday and Thursday, 30 to 60 seniors gather here to share a meal, play bingo, and dance—turning our center into their zócalo, a public square full of joy and connection. Day after day, our team—67% of whom live in this very neighborhood—creates programs that empower children and youth to rise above adversity and lead with confidence.

Our mission is clear: to break the cycle of generational poverty and build a self-sustaining community where every person, regardless of status or circumstance, has the opportunity to thrive.

I am Christine Sanchez, proud to serve alongside this remarkable community. With your partnership, we can expand these programs, nurture more leaders, and honor the legacy of those who built this center with their own hands. Together, we can transform resilience into opportunity and hope into lasting change.