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Tag Archives: homeless

Rep. Sanchez recognizes first annual O.C. Veterans Stand Down

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Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez, Representing California’s 47th Congressional District

PRESS RELEASE, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 15, 2011

MEDIA CONTACT: Adrienne Watson 202-309-0825

REP. SANCHEZ RECOGNIZES FIRST ANNUAL O.C. STAND DOWN

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez (CA-47), senior member of the House Armed Services Committee, today submitted the following statement to the record recognizing Orange County’s First Annual Stand Down. The event will provide homeless veterans and their families with new clothing and hot meals along with an opportunity to receive mental health and substance abuse counseling. This annual event will also be an opportunity for our veterans to be placed in their own home and find employment through the various housing and employment placements assistance that will be made available. Continue reading→

1st Annual Stand Down for homeless and at-risk Veterans on Sep. 17-18

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Santa Ana- Veterans First is proud to announce the 1st Annual Stand Down for homeless and at-risk Veterans and their families. The Stand Down will take place on September 17-18, 2011 on the grounds of Santa Ana College in Santa Ana, CA.

The Orange County Stand Down will provide a one-stop shop for homeless and at-risk Veterans to get matched with essential services such as medical, dental, and vision exams, employment and housing assistance, as well as Veterans benefit identification and assistance. The Stand Down will also provide these Veterans a place for them to enjoy a hot meal, showers and grooming, and a chance to spend time with fellow Veterans and feel a sense of comraderie that many havent felt since their time in service to our country. Continue reading→

Find out how to help homeless O.C. youth on June 15, in Costa Mesa

Posted on by Posted in Charities, Costa Mesa, Entertainment, homeless, Housing, Santa Ana, Youth Activities Leave a comment

Join Build Futures for a conversation on how to help 25,900 homeless youth in Orange County and the growing problem of homeless youth in Orange County, on Wednesday, June 15, from 4:30 to 6:30 pm, at the offices of Rutan and Tucker, at 611 Anton Blvd. Suite 1400, in Costa Mesa.

How you can work with Build Futures to help solve this community problem and our new business to create jobs for these youth, Bikes Build Futures?

Leave your checkbooks at home! Light meal served.

Please feel free to invite anyone who has an interest in helping homeless youth.

What life is like for a homeless youth on the streets:

Why are they on the streets?

Where do they sleep?

Where do they get food?

Please RSVP to info@buildfutures.org by 5pm June 13th.

A commitment to youth this age is a commitment to prevention. If left on the streets, these youth become the chronically homeless, criminals, welfare mothers, prostitutes, drug addicts, alcoholics and gang members. With this model the whole community benefits.

www.BuildFutures.org

Time: Wednesday, June 15 · 4:30pm – 6:00pm
Location: Rutan & Tucker, LLP Boardroom

Santa Ana’s Southwest Community Center rises from the ashes

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Santa Ana’s Southwest Community Center suffered a terrible fire last year, losing holiday food and gifts for the poor.  Their structure had to be totally demolished.

Nine months later the Center has risen from the ashes, according to community activist Alan H. Woo, who posted the pictures in this post on his Facebook page.

You can help continue their great work by providing operations funds at their website, or make a check out to “SWCC” and mail it to SWCC, 1601 West 2nd Street, Santa Ana, CA 92703.

The Southwest Community Center provides food, clothing, shelter, guidance, health, and referral services to economically disadvantaged individuals and families, and assist and encourage those whom we serve to achieve self-sufficiency.

Volunteer Center to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day with day of service

Posted on by Posted in African Americans, Charities, Churches and Religion, homeless, Housing, Santa Ana, Working Families Leave a comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Volunteer Center Orange County Plans to Honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day with Annual Day of Service

MLK Day Activities Respond to both Local Needs and Supports Haiti Earthquake Victims

(Prior to OneOC’s September 15th Brand Launch)

SANTA ANA, Calif., Jan. 13, 2010 – A series of events to acknowledge the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. are planned for Monday, January 18, 2010, as Volunteer Center Orange County mobilizes volunteers community-wide to engage in its annual day of reflective community service. The 50-year-old organization is again collaborating with other local nonprofit agencies to organize projects that offer volunteer opportunities and trainings addressing critical community issues of hunger, literacy and environmental protection. This popular annual event is booked to capacity with over 1,000 volunteers participating.

Employees from PIMCO will be making their day off, a day “on of service” as they pack disaster relief kits for Giving Children Hope. Giving Children Hope is responding to the disaster in Haiti by sending pharmaceuticals, water purifiers and other medical supplies to bring relief to the victims.

“We hope that volunteers will join their friends, neighbors and co-workers in giving something back to the community in honor of the example set by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.,” said Daniel J. McQuaid, VCOC President and CEO.

Following are the event details:

Saturday – Habitat Restoration with Inside the Outdoors 8755 Santiago Canyon Rd. Silverado
Agency: Inside the Outdoors, OCDE
Impact Areas: Environment
Project Description: The project location is at an environmental education facility on Santiago Canyon Road bordering the Cleveland National Forest. The project includes non-native plant removal and planting native plants. For individuals that cannot do physical activity but still want to volunteer there is an option for painting on tree cookies (slices taken from tree branches).

Saturday, January 16, 2010, 8:30AM-12:30PM

Monday – Giving Children Hope: Sorting and Packing for Disaster Relief 8332 Commonwealth Avenue, Buena Park

Agency: Giving Children Hope
Impact Areas: Disaster Relief Services, Children & Youth
Project Description: Donated Medical Supplies need to be sorted on a daily basis. These supplies travel all over the world to small villages and needy hospitals and orphanages. Doctors need these supplies to open small clinics in underserved communities.1. Sort food and stuff backpacks with food for OC’s homeless children. 2. Sort medical supplies for disaster relief. 3. Landscaping. 4. Disassemble equipment. Employees from the Newport Beach office of PIMCO, a global investment management firm, will be participating Monday morning.

Monday, January 18, 2010, 9:00AM-11:30AM
Monday, January 18, 2010, 1:30PM-4:00PM

Harvesting for the Hungry RAIN ALERT – If it rains, this project will be canceled.

Agency: Second Harvest Food Bank/Society St. Vincent de Paul 15058 Harvard Avenue, Irvine
Impact Areas: Homelessness/Hunger
Project Description: Join Volunteer Center Orange County on MLK Day 2008. Volunteers will harvest crops that provide fresh food for the hungry in Orange County. “Harvesting for the Hungry” will take place at the Second Harvest Food Bank’s Incredible Edible Field in Irvine. Students from Tarbut V’ Torah School in Irvine will be participating.

Monday, January 18, 2010, 9:00AM-11:00AM
Monday, January 18, 2010, 1:00PM-3:00PM

Helping the Homeless: Armory Cold Weather Emergency Shelter Program

Agency: Mercy House Transitional Living Center, 807 Garfield Street, Santa Ana
Impact Areas: Homelessness/Hunger
Project Description: Mercy House will be operating the OC Cold Weather Shelter program this winter starting in December. The Armory program provides up to 350 beds per night for the homeless in Fullerton and Santa Ana. Volunteers will be assisting with set-up, clean up, passing out meals and donations.

Monday, January 18, 2010, 5:00PM-8:00PM – TWO LOCATIONS: SANTA ANA AND FULLERTON

Assembling Food Boxes for the Hungry

Agency: Community Action Partnership of Orange County, 12640 Knott Street, Garden Grove

Impact Areas: Homelessness/Hunger
Project Description: Volunteers will pack boxes of food to be distributed to the hungry in Orange County. Takes place at the Community Action Partnership’s food warehouse in Garden Grove.
State Senator Lou Correa and sons will be participating at 9:00 am shift.

Monday, January 18, 2010, 9:00AM-11:00AM
Monday, January 18, 2010, 2:00PM-4:00PM
Monday, January 18, 2010, 11:30AM-1:30PM

Book Doctors: Book Repair/Cleaning for the Early Literacy Program 2101 E. 4th Street, Santa Ana

Agency: The Early Literacy Program
Impact Areas: Children & Youth: Literacy, Children & Youth
Project Description: Help the Early Literacy Program clean, repair and label donated children’s books that will be redistributed to the Orange County Community. Books will be available for cleaning. Donations of gently used children’s books will gladly be accepted.

Monday, January 18, 2010, 11:00AM-1:00PM
Monday, January 18, 2010, 1:30PM-3: 30PM

Heart for Hunger Food Drive

Agency: Orange County Rescue Mission
Impact Areas: Homelessness/Hunger, Adult Education and Literacy, Homelessness/Hunger
Project Description: OCRM will be organizing multiple Heart for Hunger food drives at grocery stores across Orange County. We need volunteers who can help us collect food donations to feed the homeless. Afterwards volunteers will deliver the food at 4pm to the Orange County Rescue Mission Warehouse. –

Monday, January 18, 2010, 9:00AM-12:00PM

Lemon Aid Stands

Agency: Team Kids, Inc
Impact Areas: Children & Youth
Project Description: Team Kids would like to encourage any child who wants to serve on MLK Day or the preceding weekend to join kids across Orange County to host their own “Lemon Aid” stand. Proceeds from Lemon Aid Irvine will benefit OC Human Relations Youth Programs. Guidelines for Lemon Aid will be posted on the Team Kids website, www.teamkids.org and Lemon Aid stands can be registered there. Join us at 5pm at Irvine City Hall to collect funds, celebrate MLK service day, and highlight youth leaders!

Monday, January 18, 2010, 9:00AM-5:00PM
Note: Sunday, January 17, 2010, 1:00-3:00PM Kenny and Weston Beckmann from Volunteer Center Orange County’s Family Service Team are selling lemonade, soft drinks, and baked goods at Los Lomas Park, Irvine, 10 Federation Way, Irvine, CA 92603.

Volunteer Training for Reading to Children 0-5 for Early Literacy Program

Agency: The Early Literacy Program
Impact Areas: Children & Youth: Literacy, Children & Youth
Project Description: In order to further The Early Literacy Program’s (ELP) mission we are looking for volunteer readers. Our mission is to promote reading to children every day to build language and learning skills that last a lifetime. Readers are located in pediatric waiting rooms throughout Orange County. Readers read to children while they are waiting to be seen by the doctor. The most important role they play is advocating literacy to parents. Readers serve as models to parents on how to get a child interested in reading and demonstrate how reading can be fun. After reading they pass out materials to parents about reading levels, literacy, and development milestones. Readers give books to children for free to ensure that books get into the hands of the children who may not have access to their own reading materials.

Saturday, January 16, 2010, 10:00AM-12:00PM

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Dan Pittman
714-282-9994
dan@pittmanpr.com
Barbara Powers
714-953-5757 x 218/ cell: 949-525-8775
bpowers@oneoc.org

About OneOC

OneOC, formerly Volunteer Center Orange County, is a nonprofit 501c3 organization committed to accelerating nonprofit success through volunteer, training, consulting and business services. Serving Orange County, California, OneOC provides support and solutions to more than 650 nonprofit organizations and community initiatives each year. Building on a 52-year history of mobilizing volunteer action, the organization announced its new name on September 15, 2010 to signal the expansion of its integrated service offerings to help nonprofits become as effective and efficient about their mission as they are passionate. OneOC is affiliated with Points of Lights Institute and HandsOn Network, enabling participation in national community service initiatives and connection to a larger movement of change. For more information, visit www.OneOC.org.

Poll: What are the top ten issues in Santa Ana going into 2012?

Posted on by Posted in 2012 Elections, Crime, Economy, Education, Elections, Energy, Fiscal Sustainability, homeless, Housing, Janet Nguyen, Jobs, Labor, Miguel Pulido, Orange County, Paul Walters, Politics, Public Safety, Real Estate, Redevelopment, Santa Ana, Water 1 Comment

As the year 2011 draws to a close it is time to ponder the top ten issues facing the people of the City of Santa Ana, going into the New Year.

You can vote on your top ten issues here (my top ten follow the poll) – and remember that you can vote for up to three issues: Continue reading→

Orange County homeless emergency shelters to open

Posted on by Posted in Charities, Fullerton, homeless, Housing, Orange County, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Press Release, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 3, 2010
CONTACT: Karen Roper (714) 480-2805, cell (714) 423-8315

COUNTY HOMELESS EMERGENCY SHELTERS TO OPEN

(Santa Ana, CA) – The County of Orange Armory Emergency Shelter Program is scheduled to open at alternate sites on December 6, 2010 until the California National Guard Armory locations become available for use later in the month (maps attached). The program is anticipated to open at the Fullerton and Santa Ana Armory locations on December 13, 2010 (address information attached). The seasonal emergency shelter program provides up to 400 beds for homeless families and individuals. The program provides shelter to families and individuals along with a nutritious meal, warm shower, safe place to sleep, warm clothes, a wide variety of supportive services, and a friendly and safe atmosphere.

The Armory Emergency Shelter Program is a vital link in our community’s efforts to take care of those who lack proper shelter at night and to provide needed services to families and individuals. The Armory Emergency Shelter Program is possible due to the help of hundreds of volunteers from County agencies, churches, and other community groups.

In addition, the following agencies provide on-site services aimed at breaking the cycle of homelessness and moving families and individuals to self-sufficiency and independent living: Orange County Health Care Agency, Orange County Social Services Agency, Salvation Army, Veteran’s First, Serving People In Need, Mental Health Association of Orange County, Public Law Center, Orange County Rescue Mission, 2-1-1 Orange County, and many others. Donations from other non-profit organizations, churches, and individuals add to the available resources to make this program a success. The program is operated by Mercy House through a contract with the County of Orange, OC Community Services.

“This program fills a critical gap in Orange County’s Continuum of Care system for the homeless,” stated Karen Roper, Director of OC Community Services.

# # # # #

Orange County Armory Emergency Shelter Program 2010 – 2011

PROGRAM SUMMARY:

The Orange County Armory Emergency Shelter program provides up to 400 beds per night for the homeless at the National Guard Armories in Fullerton and Santa Ana. The homeless will receive a nutritious meal, a warm shower and a safe place to sleep. Volunteers will distribute donations of warm clothing, and service providers from Orange County will be onsite to provide needed services.

DATES: The program will begin operations at alternate sites on December 6, 2010 (see attached map).
The opening date at the Fullerton site is December 13, 2010.
The opening date at the Santa Ana site is December 13, 2010.

ARMORY LOCATIONS:

Santa Ana Armory – 612 East Warner (Warner / Main)
Fullerton Armory – 400 South Brookhurst (Brookhurst / Valencia)

BUS PICK UP LOCATIONS: (There will be pick-up at these sites on dark nights)

Fullerton: Santa Ana:
N. La Palma Park Way, Anaheim Pick-Up #1 5:00 p.m.
Near La Palma Park Stadium Flower & Civic Center – near
and across from Goodwill 6th Street, Santa Ana

Pick Up #2 5:30 p.m.
1901 N. Walnut, Santa Ana

DARK NIGHTS & ALTERNATE SITES:

The National Guard Armories are not available for use a few nights per month. On these “dark nights,” clients will be sheltered at alternate sites.

For more information, please contact:

Santa Ana site: Michael Escarcida at (714) 836-7188 ext. 108 or
Michaele@mercyhouse.net

Fullerton site: James Brooks at (714) 836-7188 ext. 107 or Jamesb@mercyhouse.net

ARMORY Wish List

Mercy House is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization whose mission is to be the leader in ending homelessness by providing a unique system of dignified housing alternatives, programs, and supportive services.

The Armory program provides up to 400 beds per night for the homeless in Fullerton and Santa Ana.

For Individuals & Families:

HYGIENE SUPPLIES

 Shampoo & Conditioner
 Soap
 Laundry Detergent
 Deodorant
 Purell
 Diapers (4-6)
 Pull-ups
 Baby Wipes
 Razors & Shaving Cream
 Cologne
 Combs & Hair Brushes
 Toothbrush & Toothpaste
 Dental Floss & Mouthwash
 Band Aids
 Body Lotion
 Feminine Hygiene Products

CLOTHING

 T-Shirts (L ,XL, XXL)
 Sweatshirts (L, XL, XXL)
 Socks
 New Undergarments (in packaging)
 Gloves
 Mittens
 Warm Clothing (men, women & children sizes)

FOOD

 Snack Foods
 Dry Foods
 Muffins
 Donuts
 Cookies
 Health Bars
 Candy
 Popcorn
 Peanuts
 Sack Lunches/Breakfast

The Santa Ana Armory Emergency Shelter will be opening Monday, December 6th through Wednesday, December 12th at:

First United Methodist Church in Santa Ana, CA.
609 N Spurgeon St, Santa Ana, CA

Clients should still go to bus pick up sites.
They will be transported to the alternate site. Pick up starts at by 5:30 pm.
No shopping carts allowed.

Santa Ana Pick Up #1:

1901 N. Walnut, Santa Ana

Santa Ana Pick Up #2:

Flower & Civic Center – near 6th St, Santa Ana

For general information please call (714) 836-7188 ext. 131.    For more information please contact Michael Escarcida (714) 454-3629 after 6 pm.

The Fullerton Armory Emergency Shelter will be opening Monday, December 6th through Wednesday, December 12th at:

First Evangelical Free Church
2801 N. Brea Blvd, Fullerton
North Campus
Located on Brea Blvd north of Rolling Hills Drive
(not located within the gym)
See campus map on other side of this flyer

Clients can STILL go to the same bus pick up site.
They will be transported to the alternate site. Pick-up starts at 5pm.
No shopping carts allowed.

Fullerton Armory Pick-up location:
 N. La Palma Park Way, Anaheim
Near La Palma Park Stadium and across from Goodwill

For general information, please call (714) 836-7188 ext. 131
For more information please contact James Brooks: 714-478-1889 after 6pm

More opportunities to help the needy in Orange County, this holiday season

Posted on by Posted in Charities, Churches and Religion, homeless, Santa Ana, Women, Working Families, Youth Activities 2 Comments

My son Joey spent the day helping to feed the needy at Santa Ana’s Salvation Army, along with many of his friends from Godinez High School.  I am so proud of them!  But when I got a call today from a reader looking for more opportunities to help the needy, I did not know where to send him.  Luckily, State Senator Lou Correa recently published a list of charitable organiztions.  I added to  it.  Here it is – this my friends is what Thanksgiving is really all about:

Garden Grove

  • Grandma’s House of Hope (GHH) – GHH distributes food, gifts, and toys to hungry children and their parents during the holiday season. Contact Lori Solomon at lori.grandmashouse@gmail.com for more information.

Orange

  • Promesas de Yahweh Ministries (PDYM) – They provide grocery bags to people in need every weekend at their new location: 1622 S. Main Street, Santa Ana, 92707 (corner of Main and Pomona).  To volunteer, please call (714) 404-0029.
  • Mary’s Kitchen –  They provide food and services to the homeless of Orange County, California.  Click here to find out how to help.

Santa Ana

  • Veterans First, Thanksgiving at the Veterans House on Manor – Veterans First is serving dinner to homeless veterans at four locations on November 25th from 11:00am to 2:00pm. Please contact Beau McGaughey at beau@veteransfirstoc.org for more information.
  • The Wooden Floor – Each year, The Wooden Floor, previously known as Saint Joseph Ballet, provides gifts for 375 underprivileged youth at its annual student holiday party. Please contact Susie Forbath at Susie@TheWoodenFloor.org for more information.
  • OneOC, Spirit of Giving – The Spirit of Giving is a service learning project where 1st grade students are taught the importance of community service. Please contact Shannon Reyes at sreyes@OneOC.org for more information.
  • Mercy House Living Centers, Holiday Adopt-a-Resident Program – Please contact Ashleigh Anderson Camba at ashleigha@mercyhouse.net for more information.  (714) 836-7188.
  • Official No One Left Behind – They collect food and give it away to the needy at the Delhi Center, on a regular basis.  For more info contact Joyce Hall at 714-973-1982, or email her at officialnooneleftbehind@yahoo.com.
  • Catholic Worker – Click here to see their Volunteer Schedule.
  • The Salvation Army Santa Ana Corps – Click here for volunteer information.

County of Orange

  • The Orange County Toy Collaborative – The Orange County Toy Collaborative provides holiday gifts to children from low-income households. Please visitwww.ocgov.com/volunteer.asp for more information.
  • Orange County Toy Collaborative – Operation Santa Claus distributes donated gifts and toys to underprivileged youth during the holiday season. Please contact Jane Dawson at Jane.Dawson@ocgov.com for more information.
  • Military Children’s Charity, Inc. – The Military Children’s Charity distributes toys to American Servicemember’s children. Please contact Cherie Navarro at cnavarro@militarychildrenscharity.org for more information.
  • Orangewood Children’s Foundation – The Orangewood Children’s Foundation distributes gifts to current foster youth, former foster youth, and low-income families throughout Orange County. Please contact Lupe Barerra at Lbarerra@orangewoodfoundation.org for more information.
  • Providence Community Services – Providence Community Services distributes gifts to needy children who would otherwise go without during the holidays. Please contact Adrienne Davalos at adavalos@provcorp.com for more information.
  • WISEPlace, Adopt-a-Resident – Please contact Cindy Ruiz at cruiz@wiseplace.org for more information.
  • Corazon, 2010 Community Christmas Party – The community of Cumbres and Pedregal are hosting a community Christmas fiesta. Please contact Julissa Espinoza at office@corazon.org for more information.
  • Orange County Rescue Mission – Various locations – click here to see a list of them.  Click here to find out how to volunteer.
  • Second Harvest Food Bank – Located in Irvine.  Click here to find out how to help.
  • Orange County Food Bank – Located in Garden Grove.  Click here to find out how to help.
  • Home Aid Orange County – Located in Irvine.  Check their website for a great list of organizations that serve the needy and the homeless.
  • For other County services for the homeless, click here.

Salvation Army Santa Ana Corps to feed the needy today, on Thanksgiving Eve

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Thanksgiving Eve Celebration at The Salvation Army Santa Ana Corps

Date: November 24, 2010, Meals available today between 10:00 am to 4 pm.

Please join the Santa Ana Corps and their partners The Path of Hope Foundation for a delicious Thanksgiving Eve meal with all the trimmings.

The event will feature live entertainment, dinner, and a toy distribution. The Corps expects to serve between 2,000-3,000 people.

Location: The Salvation Army Santa Ana Temple, 1710 W. Edinger Ave. Santa Ana, CA 92704

For more information please contact Gus at 714.679.4839 or Dyan at 714.261.1760.

Guest speaker from the OC Food Bank to speak on local poverty on Sep. 19

Posted on by Posted in Charities, Churches and Religion, Orange County, Santa Ana, Volunteer, Working Families Leave a comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Church of the Foothills Welcomes a Guest Speaker from The OC Food Bank on Poverty in Orange County

Santa Ana, California (September 5, 2010) – The Church of the Foothills is very pleased to welcome a guest speaker from the Orange County Food Bank as part of their ongoing Peace & Justice Speakers Series. On Sunday September 19th at 11AM, the OC Food Bank will be sharing an update on poverty in Orange County and their efforts to help those in need.

The Orange County Food Bank distributes 15 million pounds of food annually. In addition to the 23,000 people that the Food Bank serves directly each month, it provides food and personal care items to over 300 non-profit service organizations, such as social service agencies, churches, shelters, soup kitchens and senior centers. These organizations serve the homeless, disabled persons, seniors on fixed incomes, the unemployed and the working poor.

Future Speakers in the Peace & Justice Series include such groups as OC Shanti on “Living with HIV/AIDS in the Year 2010” on Sunday September 26th, Habitat for Humanity on Sunday October 3rd, and Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) on Sunday October 24th.

Church of the Foothills is located at 19211 Dodge Avenue at Newport, in Santa Ana, CA 92705. For more information, please call 714.544.1319.

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ABOUT CHURCH OF THE FOOTHILLS
Church of the Foothills (ChOTF) has been “Open and Affirming” of the LGBT community for many years, and offers monthly LGBT fellowships, with a variety of exciting events planned. Additionally, Church of the Foothills was profiled in the Orange County Register for performing one of the first legal same-gender church weddings in Orange County and provides ceremony services for committed couples.

A dynamic and progressive church affiliated with both the United Church of Christ and the Disciples of Christ, ChOTF offers a variety of opportunities for mission, service and fellowship, with Sunday worship beginning at 9:00 AM. For more information on Church of the Foothills, please contact them via phone 714.544.1319 or online at www.chotf.org.

Church of the Foothills is located at 19211 Dodge Avenue at Newport, in Santa Ana, CA 92705. Phone: 714.544.1319.

###

Contact: Kergan Edwards-Stout
Phone: 714.552.2348
Email: proud2bedad@yahoo.com or chotfona@gmail.com

Orange County awarded $3.7 million for homeless housing vouchers

Posted on by Posted in homeless, Housing, Orange County 2 Comments

PRESS RELEASE, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 26, 2010
CONTACT: Karen Roper (714) 480-2805, Cell (714) 423-8315

County Awarded $3.7 Million for Homeless Housing Vouchers and $406,846 in Housing Vouchers to Reunite Children with Their Parents

HUD GRANTS WILL DIRECTLY ASSIST VETERANS, DISABLED AND CHRONIC HOMELESS, AND FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN

(Santa Ana, CA) – The OC Community Services Orange County Housing Authority (OCHA) is the recipient of two grants totaling $3.7 million that will provide supportive housing for homeless veterans as well as disabled and special needs homeless populations. OCHA will also receive another grant of $406,846 to expand its Family Unification Program that reunites children with their parents. OCHA is Orange County’s largest housing authority which administers the Housing Choice Voucher Rental Assistance Program that provides over 11,000 low-income households or approximately 25,000 people per month with help paying the rent.

OCHA has been designated as one of 197 housing authorities nationwide that will receive Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) Vouchers in 2010. These vouchers are reserved for homeless single Veterans or those with families that are referred from the Long Beach Veterans Administration (VA). Housing assistance funding for the 150 vouchers is in the amount of $1.6 million for the first year.

Homeless Veterans who are interested in the VASH program can call a HUD-VASH Interest Line at (562) 826-8000, extension 2336. Rental property owners who would like to make an apartment or other rental property available for a VASH Veteran should contact the Orange County Housing Authority Owner Hotline at (714) 480-2866.

OCHA also recently received an additional $2,186,100 in homeless assistance funding as part of the 2009 Continuum of Care Super Notice of Funding Availability (SuperNOFA) grant competition. The $2.1 million grant award will provide permanent supportive housing for disabled and special needs homeless households through OCHA’s Shelter + Care Housing Program. The Shelter Plus Care Program is a partnership between OCHA and the Health Care Agency (HCA). Because of this unique partnership, homeless clients receive rental assistance through OCHA and ongoing supportive services through HCA. This highly successful program has moved chronic homeless from the streets directly into permanent supportive housing. OCHA currently assists over 566 clients through this unique program.

In addition to housing assistance funding for homeless programs, OCHA was also successful in securing an additional grant award of $406,846 to expand its Family Unification Program (FUP) by 37 households. OCHA has administered the FUP in partnership with the County’s Social Services Agency (SSA) since 1997, successfully reuniting over 600 children with their parents by assisting them with stable, affordable housing. This grant award will increase the number of households that can be assisted from 170 to 207.

“These grant awards are a direct result of unique partnerships between the Orange County Housing Authority, the Health Care Agency, the Social Services Agency, and the Long Beach VA,” stated Karen Roper, Director of OC Community Services. “These programs will provide critical housing and support services that will facilitate family reunification, stability, and self-sufficiency.”
For more information about the County’s efforts to address homelessness and to reunite families, please contact Karen Roper at (714) 480-2805 or (714) 423-8315.

# # # # #

WISEPlace holds annual meeting and celebrates 86 years of serving women

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Terri Galvan, WISEPlace, (714) 542-3577 ext. 22/tgalvan@wiseplace.org

WISEPLACE HOLDS ANNUAL MEETING AND CELEBRATES 86 YEARS OF SERVING WOMEN

SANTA ANA, Calif.- WISEPlace, a transitional housing program that assists destitute and homeless women in Orange County regain their independence and return to the community, celebrated its 86th year serving women on Monday, July 26, 2010. The celebration was part of the organization’s Annual Meeting where the accomplishments of the year were highlighted and goals for the future were announced.

Linda Clair, Vice President of U.S. Bank, accepted her second term as WISEPlace’s Board President. Clair has made tremendous strides at WISEPlace and has received the prestigious U.S. Bank Five Star Volunteer Award honoring her accomplishments as President of the WISEPlace Board of Directors. Clair will be alongside: V.P. of Governance, Kimberly Kepler; V.P. of Fund Development, Catherine Spear; Secretary, Janet Webb; Treasurer, Andrea Ekstrom; Jeanette Hughes; Pete Mangosing, and Michele Ryan.

In addition, WISEPlace honored supporters Tim and Michele Ryan with the Lukens Legacy Award .This award is presented to an individual or couple who have given financially, of their time and perhaps most importantly from their heart to WISEPlace. Tim, CEO of the Honda Center, and Michele, WISEPlace Board member, were the presenting sponsors for WISEPlace’s 10th Annual ‘Home for the Holidays’ event, raising over $100,000 for the organization.

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WISEPlace has an 85 year history of offering resources for Orange County women and children. Initially the South Orange County YWCA, the agency has provided housing and support services for homeless women since 1987. WISEPlace meets basic needs such as housing, food, clothing, physical and emotional nourishment, as well as vocational and life-skills training. The Hotel for Women is one of the only transitional housing programs in Orange County that accepts women who do not have dependent children with them. A WISEPlace second stage program, Positive Step, provides extended housing for up to two years for program graduates.

Olive Crest Safe Families program results in a happy ending at Saddleback Church

Posted on by Posted in Charities, Churches and Religion, homeless, Housing, Orange County, Santa Ana, Women, Working Families 1 Comment

A BRAND-NEW “BLIND SIDE” STORY TAKES PLACE IN THE O.C., AS OLIVE CREST’S SAFE FAMILIES PROGRAM BRINGS TOGETHER
A FAMILY IN NEED WITH A FAMILY WHO CARES

The Sheffield Family of East Orange, Members of Rick Warren’s Saddleback Church, Take in 17-Year-Old “Kyle” During a Time of Temporary Crisis

SANTA ANA – It sounds like a re-creation of “The Blind Side,” the Oscar-nominated Sandra Bullock film about a wealthy Memphis family that takes in a homeless teen (and outstanding athlete) from the wrong side of town. But in this case, the story is unfolding right in Orange County, California—and the teen’s mom is not a drug addict, as in the film, but a devoted single parent who wants the best for her son, even if for the moment she can’t provide it herself.

In the West Coast “Blind Side” story, Chrissy and Peter Sheffield of East Orange fill the roles played by Sandra Bullock and Tim McGraw in the film. Before this all began, the Sheffields already had a full life and a full house. They own and run Platinum Container, Inc. in La Habra. They’re busy raising three kids: 18-year-old Tony, who attends Santiago Community College; 11-year-old Mia; and six-year-old Nate. They attend Saddleback Church, and take to heart pastor Rick Warren’s mandate: “You want to see it, then be it.”

So when the Sheffields learned about the Safe Families program coordinated by Olive Crest of Santa Ana, they knew they wanted to “see it” at Saddleback Church—and that they would “be it” by becoming a Safe Family and opening their home to a family in crisis. Continue reading→

SAPD working hard to stop lewd conduct at Santa Ana’s Santiago Park

Posted on by Posted in Civic Affairs, Crime, Public Safety, Santa Ana 5 Comments

Another man lurking at Santiago Park

Nine of these guys were arrested by the SAPD this week at Santiago Park

I met today with Santa Ana Chief of Police Paul Walters and two of his police officers, from the SAPD.  One of them, Hank Couisine, is a Special Investigator.  The other works in Vice Squad. 

We met to discuss the ongoing problems at Santa Ana’s Santiago Park with regard to men who go there to lurk and to engage in lewd acts.

My recent post about this situation triggered a lot of action at Santa Ana’s City Hall.  Walters asked the Santa Ana Parks and Recreation Department to clean up the brush at the park, to give these creeps less places to hide.  They did so once and are planning another clean-up soon.

Walters also sent in the troops.  In fact they arrested nine men just yesterday, just after dusk!  They employed decoys very effectively.  We wrote about that tactic previously as well.  Click here to read that post.

Walters noted that his department uses software to collect crime data and then they focus their crimefighting areas on hot spots in the city.  Santiago Park is the only park with substantial lewd conduct problems. Continue reading→

Report indicates lewd conduct has been a problem at Santiago Park for over 25 years

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Another man lurking at Santiago Park

In our continued research into the problem of men engaging in lewd conduct at Santiago Park, we have found a report by the Santa Ana Police Department, dated 2001, indicating that the City of Santa Ana has known about this problem – for over 25 years.

The report was submitted to the Herman Goldstein Award Selection Committee, in D.C., in an attempt to win an award.   Here are a few excerpts from the report’s cover letter:

Residents surrounding the twenty-three acre Santiago Park in Santa Ana had problems with lewd activity occurring in their park over a number of years. Instead of continuing the short term fix of using strictly enforcement tactics, the officers assigned to this project worked with community members and other city and county departments to develop and implement a plan to achieve long term success. Continue reading→