Wiseplace

WISEPlace transforms lives! To lead the effort of ending homelessness for unaccompanied women through housing solutions and empowering wrap-around services that provide a path toward personal self-reliance.

Since its inception in 1929 as the South County YWCA, WISEPlace has been committed to providing care and concern to women, children and families. The doors of the first facility opened in 1929, and the current facility opened in 1951. In 1999, the agency disaffiliated from the national YWCA organization to focus on women’s homelessness in the community and became known as WISEPlace.  For almost 30 years, we have changed and saved women's lives by providing a comprehensive shelter program for women who are single or living alone. Our heartland program is a transformational shelter program for unaccompanied homeless women. In our  program our residents receive shelter, food, clothing case management, financial empowerment, employment assistance, psychological counseling, life-skills classes, and opportunities for spiritual guidance and physical and  social activities. All aspects of the program are geared to improving the residents self-sufficiency, self-esteem and self-worth. 

Unhoused women across California have increased 50% over the past 8 years - surpassing New York, Texas and Florida combined. Driven by domestic violence which spiked during the pandemic, this crisis is fueled by a shortage of DV shelters and compounded by a lack of permanent housing. Meaning most women fleeing violence cannot find a shelter, and even if they do, there is nowhere for them to go afterwards, bogging up the system and forcing the next woman in need to stay in the streets or return to their abuser.

WISEPlace is the only program in Orange County that solely provides services to unaccompanied women. These women are the highest risk who need long-term care and support. Through the “WISEPlace Way” women learn to become self-reliant, heal their traumas and end their homelessness.

WISEPlace urgently addresses the pressing needs of unaccompanied homeless women in Orange County, California. The region faces a significant homelessness crisis, with nearly 6,000 people living unhoused, and unaccompanied women represent a substantial portion. These women encounter unique challenges, with high rates of first-time homelessness, longer spells without shelter, and increased difficulty accessing permanent housing. The older demographic, particularly those in their 50s, 60s, and 70s, is experiencing homelessness for the first time, further compounding the crisis. WISEPlace is uniquely positioned to respond to this critical situation by providing low-barrier shelter, comprehensive support services, and a pathway to permanent housing, offering these vulnerable women a chance to rebuild their lives. With a proven track record, WISEPlace is committed to addressing the specific needs of unaccompanied homeless women, empowering them to regain self-reliance, heal from trauma, and achieve lasting stability.

Rising housing and living costs have meant the cost to house a woman have increased significantly. This means it takes even more resources to provide the same amount of services. With your help we are able to meet the safety, housing, employment and mental health needs of our clients.

WISEPlace serves unaccompanied homeless women, ages 18 to senior women, from throughout Orange County, California, and from neighboring counties (including Los Angeles, Long Beach, Riverside and San Bernardino), particularly in the instance of women leaving domestic violence or other abusive situations.

At WISEPlace, our commitment is to equip our guests with the tools for a lifetime of independence. The transformations we witness are profound; women, who've faced years of struggle, leave our program with newfound confidence and pride in their progress navigating life's challenges. It's not about promising a fairy tale ending but instilling the resilience to face whatever comes next. For some, graduation from WISEPlace is their first completed milestone, a testament to their strength. Others, despite professional achievements, find in WISEPlace the time, space, and structure to heal and regain self-belief.

We understand the uniqueness of each woman's journey, and the WISEPlace Way tailors our programs to address their specific struggles, all while guiding them toward the common goal of permanent housing and self-reliance. Your support is crucial in sustaining our mission to end homelessness for unaccompanied women and address the diverse needs of our community.

WISEPlace has exhibited remarkable growth, overcoming challenges exacerbated by the pandemic over the past few years. With steadfast leadership, a dedicated team, and the initiation of new permanent supportive housing units, we aim to amplify our impact in the years ahead, reaching even more women in our community. Your support is the cornerstone of our work—whether through meals, workshops, volunteering time, financial contributions, or your collective efforts, every gesture directly benefits the women in our shelter.