“I am so grateful to be with you on this beautiful day,” said Orange County affiliate Executive Director Bryan Lake. “How wonderful it is to be part of a community that cares so much about families that are struggling. Your presence today is a testament to your generous spirit and fills me with such hope for the future.”

The formal ceremony included speeches from Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris and Tustin Mayor Pro Tem Letitia Clark. 

HomeAid OC’s Executive Director Gina Cunningham led the charge in recognizing the House of Ruth donors and building partners.

All partners received certificates, including IKEA and TaskRabbit. “I want to thank IKEA, Vanessa and her team for the generous donation of furniture and furnishings for House of Ruth. And I absolutely must include TaskRabbit who partnered with IKEA and assembled everything. Thank you!” said Lake.

After hearing many words of gratitude, the crowd of over 200 welcomed Miss Global USA 2023 Danielle Alura for the ribbon cutting ceremony.

Immediately after Alura’s ribbon cutting, the crowd was taken on brief tours to view the finished facility that will soon house families in Family Promise’s short-term housing program. Family Promise of Orange County has four core programs which include prevention, short-term housing, family supportive services, and stabilization. The unique aspect of the House of Ruth is the deliberate inclusion of a resource center to host workshops for parents seeking stabilization from housing instability as well as a full shower and laundry facilities open to families in the community expressing imminent need for help.

Family Promise is dedicated to helping as many families gain housing stability as possible. The organization has currently served 173 households receiving program enrollment services, diversion services, and referrals to this date.

With the structure of Family Promise’s current programs, the organization firmly believes that through the House of Ruth they will be able to triple the number of families served.

Family Promise of Orange County will begin moving families into the facility this November. For any questions regarding our programs or eligibility, please reach out to info@familypromiseoc.org.

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