Thomas House Family Shelter

Since 1986, Thomas House has remained steadfast in its mission to provide at-risk and unhoused families with children with a safe and supportive environment where they are empowered to achieve independence and self-sufficiency. It is our vision that every family in America has a secure and supportive home where they can grow and thrive together.

For 40 years, Thomas House has been a cornerstone for low-income, unhoused families with children in Orange County, Calif., addressing the root causes of homelessness. Our organization has supported thousands of families with children in overcoming situational homelessness and breaking cycles of generational poverty by providing comprehensive services and resources that help them successfully transition into permanent housing.

Thomas House was founded by Mary and Bernie Selz, community residents, who wanted to help the growing number of unhoused families in the community by providing a safe place to reside. In the beginning, Thomas House provided shelter and supportive services to one unhoused family from a single apartment unit.
Today, the organization has grown to serve approximately 60 families with children (200-215 individuals) annually through our Transitional Shelter and Supportive Services and Homeless Prevention Services programs.

In 2025, Thomas House impacted 66 families, (231 individuals), to become or remain independent and self-sufficient through its Transitional Shelter and Supportive Services and Homeless Prevention Services programs.

Recent Organization Accomplishments include:
• Renovated two previously uninhabitable apartment units, and in December 2024, welcomed two families into their new home, providing them with an opportunity to have a fresh start and a place to call their own.
• Established our Alumni Support Group, which brings together Thomas House graduates connected by shared experiences of being unhoused, homeless, or facing unemployment. This group is dedicated to offering mentorship, emotional support, and valuable information to foster a community of encouragement and practical assistance.
• Chief Executive Officer, Shakoya Green Long, and Operations Manager, Martha Figueroa, joined the National Women’s Shelter Network in Washington D.C. to help advocate for dedicated federal funding for women, youth, and families experiencing homelessness.
• Shakoya Green Long was appointed to the Orange County Continuum of Care (CoC) Board, strengthening Thomas House’s role in the region’s coordinated system to address homelessness.

Story of Hope:
When Sarah arrived at Thomas House, she was carrying far more than the weight of homelessness. She was overwhelmed by debt, struggling with a low credit score, unreliable transportation, and unstable employment. She and her daughter were also reeling from the trauma of a domestic violence relationship. Despite these challenges, Sarah was determined to create a safer, more stable life for her family.

At Thomas House, Sarah found more than shelter – she found a community committed to her success. In our safe and supportive environment, she confronted her mental health challenges and began rebuilding her confidence. She also reduced her debt, secured stable employment, and learned critical financial skills, including budgeting, improving her credit score, and saving for the future.

Moments of joy and connection also played an important role in healing. Family activities, like our Build-A-Bike event, gave Sarah and her daughter the chance to reconnect, laugh together, and begin restoring hope.

Today, Sarah and her daughter are thriving in permanent housing. Sarah works two jobs, owns a reliable car, and continues to receive case management and pantry support from Thomas House as she builds lasting stability. She is saving toward her dream of homeownership and is working to launch a nonprofit in honor of her brother that will provide support to individuals facing addiction or homelessness.

Sarah’s journey is a testament to resilience, courage, and the life-changing impact of a supportive and compassionate community that walks alongside families as they move from crisis to stability.

Thomas House's community support needs include:

1) Donate money for Operating Support; Programs and Services; and/or Capital and building maintenance and repair expenses;

2) Give in-kind donations such as food, supplies, clothing, furniture, backpacks and school supplies, and holiday gifts;

3) Volunteer to serve on our Board or leadership committees, to help with tutoring, mentoring, or youth extracurricular activities, and/or to help repair or improve shelter apartments;

4) Sponsor a Thomas House event;

5) Host an event or fundraising challenge, such as Celebrate4ThomasHouse (turn a special event into a Thomas House fundraiser) or Corporate Challenge (encourage employees, and departments within your company to support Thomas House).

Your support empowers low-income, unhoused families with children to become independent and self-sufficient and ultimately break the cycle of generational poverty.

Thomas House is in Orange County, Calif., and predominately serves Orange County residents. However, it also serves residents from Los Angeles County, San Bernadino County, and Riverside County.