Family Assistance Ministries

The mission of Family Assistance Ministries (FAM) is to assist those in need in Orange County with resources for food, shelter, and personalized supportive counsel and aid, helping clients bridge the gap from dependency to self-sufficiency.

FAM was established in 1999 when founder Ellen Gilchrist responded to the lack of services available in southern Orange County. FAM's first client was provided rental assistance and financial counsel to prevent eviction. By the second month, this person became self-sufficient. FAM has provided a growing continuum of services in response to the changing needs of those at-risk in our community. People seeking help at FAM may receive case management, financial counseling, and nutritious food options. Last year FAM served over 30,000 people in need and distributed over $5 million dollars of food to families and 1,800 seniors.  FAM also offers utility and rental assistance, helping those who are at immediate risk of homelessness remain housed. FAM enjoys strong community support, collaborating with hundreds partner organizations to provide a strong safety net for those most at risk of homelessness. FAM was named California Nonprofit of the Year in 2021 by State Senator Pat Bates and the California Association of Nonprofits, Best Local Nonprofit in San Clemente and an Outstanding Partner Agency with the Orange County United Way. We also received Guide Star's Silver Seal of Transparency and rated a 4-Star Charity standing with Charity Navigators.

In the 2025 fiscal year:
Through our Homeless Prevention and Hunger Relief programs, last year FAM served over 30,000 hungry adults, children, and seniors. All were provided with nutritious food options. The equivalent of a semi-trailer of food was distributed every 2.5 days to hungry community members.  In addition, over 300 children received school supplies and backpacks.

Goals included: To help people who are homeless or at immediate risk of becoming homeless regain housing stability. 

General Funds: Unrestricted funds allow FAM to maintain flexibility to meet the most critical needs of clients as they arise and support necessary costs needed to run a non-profit.

Housing funds: Our housing programs help unhoused individuals and families return to housing as quickly as possible.
In-Kind: Donations of gift cards, toiletries and diapers are provided to clients, allowing them to redirect the funds they would have spent on these necessities towards other expenses, including rent, utilities, and medical bills.
Food: FAM requests donations of food and grocery gift cards to supplement what we receive through weekly fresh rescues of near-expiration date food from grocery store partners.
Volunteers: FAM relies on volunteers to support all areas of our operations. Over 2,000 volunteers provided 40,000+ hours of service last year!

FAM serves all of Orange County, with a special emphasis on South Orange County.
 

“Family Assistance Ministries provides solutions to those experiencing food and housing crisis. We are a dedicated group of staff, volunteers, board members and donors with a shared goal to improve our community. We believe in proven practices and evaluation of our programs to ensure we are making the biggest impact. Together we can transform our community.”