Families Forward

Housing Program

The overarching objective of Families Forward’s Housing Program is to assist families as they achieve economic security and housing stability. Families Forward’s Housing Program provides a fully customizable approach to families seeking lasting stability for their children with the understanding that a one-size fits all model is unrealistic for those we serve. As part of our comprehensive model, Families Forward provides a variety of supportive services to each family enrolled in our Housing Program based on individual need. Families Forward utilizes a Housing First model, meaning our first obligation is to collaborate with each family in need to secure housing; once housed, we provide supportive services and resources needed to overcome their unique challenges and achieve economic stability. Clients may access various services—food, housing assistance, counseling, and career coaching—at our program centers in Irvine or Santa Ana. 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. Families Forward remains well positioned to keep families safely housed now that pandemic era eviction protections have expired. By providing vulnerable families with the tools and resources needed to find stable housing and regain financial self-sufficiency, families can break generational cycles of poverty and create an environment of positive child development. Our Housing Program offers housing and supportive services to families experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness, enabling them to achieve economic stability. This comprehensive program provides families with a wide range of housing solutions, including emergency motel stays, brief interim housing support, rapid re-housing assistance, prevention services, and long-term affordable housing opportunities. Dedicated Case Managers work with each family to create an individual plan through short- and long-term goals, while also providing access to supportive services. Clients receive access to Families Forward’s on-site food pantry, mental health counseling, career coaching, and life skills training ranging from budgeting to parenting skills. Additionally, our prevention services assist families who are at risk of experiencing homelessness. Our aim is to intervene before a family becomes homeless, providing the tools and resources needed to maintain their current housing. Direct financial assistance, referrals to resources and case management are included in the services offered to families. In tandem with our Housing Program, Families Forward provides seasonal programs such as our Back-to-School supply distribution event, Thanksgiving Baskets and our Holiday wish Program, providing holiday gifts to children in need.