Families Forward

Families Forward exists to prevent and end family homelessness by providing access to housing and resources that create lasting stability.

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 Community Market (on-site, client choice 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 15 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.

Tackling the pervasive issue of homelessness for families with children, in 2025 Families Forward improved the lives of nearly 18,000 people. At Families Forward we see an Orange County where every family has a home and the opportunity to thrive. It is our belief that by linking support with accountability, families can help themselves regain and maintain financial self-sufficiency. From providing housing and food assistance, to career coaching, mental health counseling, and financial literacy education, we’re as committed to strengthening overall wellbeing as we are to ensuring everyone has a place to call home. Families Forward incorporates a holistic family care model that recognizes the connection between poverty, housing, health, and food security. Due to a severe lack of affordable housing in Orange County, demand for our services continues to grow.

During our 2025 Fiscal Year, 671 families (2,289 children and their parents) achieved housing stability. In addition, Families Forward provided services to 17,836 individuals. The comprehensive services offered by Families Forward include: a Housing Program providing housing navigation and case management for families experiencing homelessness; Prevention & Diversion services aimed at preventing at-risk families from losing their current housing situation; Mental Health Counseling which addresses mental and behavioral health issues; Career Coaching, providing one-on-one assessment and coaching focused on obtaining and/or increasing income, and additional supportive services, including an on-site Community Market and educational workshops. Families Forward also offers seasonal programs during Back to School and the holidays.

Clients may access a myriad of services—food, housing assistance, counseling, and career coaching—at our program center in Irvine. By alleviating the need to travel or solicit multiple organizations for assistance, Families Forward aids the overall health, stability, and long-term success of the families served.

Orange County faces a severe and persistent shortage of affordable housing for working families, with only 20 affordable and available homes for every 100 extremely low-income renters. As one of the top 5 most expensive housing markets in the nation, housing in O.C. costs 270% more than what the typical American pays. Nearly half of residents are renters, yet 81% of extremely low-income households are severely cost-burdened. Countywide, 27,000+ students are housing unstable and 350,000+ people lack access to enough nutritious food. The convergence of economic challenges, homelessness, and hunger among working families is a dire and growing crisis.

Orange County, CA