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Family Promise of Orange County Celebrates the Grand Opening of the House of Ruth

Fri, 20 Oct 2023 19:35:10 GMT

TUSTIN, CA - On Wednesday, October 18, 2023, Family Promise of Orange County, along with their partners HomeAid Orange County and the City of Tustin, celebrated the grand opening of the House of Ruth.

“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 .

House of Ruth ready in Tustin to be a home for unhoused families

Fri, 20 Oct 2023 19:24:41 GMT

By HEATHER MCREA | hmcrea@scng.com | Orange County Register

PUBLISHED: October 18, 2023 at 5:04 p.m. | UPDATED: October 18, 2023 at 5:04 p.m.

Another option for unhoused families struggling to find a place to live is opening in Tustin, turning an empty lot on El Camino Real into a community resource.

The House of Ruth features seven furnished units — they vary in size from one bedroom to three bedrooms — for families who will also have access at the complex to resources that will help them find permanent housing they can afford. Its grand opening was celebrated Wednesday, Oct. 18.

Family Promise of Orange County will operate the shelter — each unit also has its own kitchen and living room — and was donated the property by the city of Tustin.

HomeAid Orange County, a nonprofit arm of the Building Industry Association, partnered on the project and helped bring on Brookfield Residential, which is a national homebuilder that donated its time and resources to build the two-story complex.

HomeAid Orange County has spent 35 years helping develop shelters and affordable housing and has done more than 70 projects in Orange County.

“This is our gift to our community,” said Executive Director Gina Cunningham, “being able to bring in the resources through homebuilders, like Brookfield Residential, to develop housing for people experiencing homelessness.”

Local churches also helped with fundraising for the project, including Tustin Presbyterian Church, Aldersgate United Methodist in Tustin, Irvine United Congregational Church and St. John’s Lutheran Church of Orange.

Families will be able to stay for up to a year at House of the Ruth while, Cunningham said, “coming out of homelessness and finding their way back home through being housed.”

READ FULL ARTICLE BY THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

FPOC Official Communication: Hiring of Bryan Lake, FPOC New Executive Director

Tue, 16 May 2023 17:14:44 GMT

The Board of Directors for Family Promise of Orange County (FPOC) announces Bryan Lake as the organization’s new Executive Director.

Bryan Lake has 20 years of experience in nonprofit management. He recently served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Boys & Girls Club of the Umpqua Valley in Southern Oregon. He also served as the Director of Administration for the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clarita Valley in Los Angeles County. During that time, he spent 15 months as the Interim Chief Executive Officer and led the organization through a challenging time when their long-time executive retired after 29 years.

Bryan brings a variety of experience in leadership, administration, program development, special events, fundraising, marketing, human resources, finances, advocacy, board development, innovation, and information technology. “Bryan is inspirational, innovative, and incredibly genuine,” said Cathy Threadgill, FPOC Board President. “His stories are captivating, and his success throughout his career is a token of his ability to lead with compassion

and zeal. With Bryan on board, FPOC will continue to thrive and grow.”

FPOC’s mission aims to create a pathway of support for families experiencing housing instability and insecurity. Since 2012, FPOC has helped hundreds of families stand on their feet so that children will never have to experience homelessness ever again.

When asked about how he feels about his new venture, Bryan responded, “there was once a fortune in a cookie that read, “If you have hope, you have everything.” I am so excited to bring hope to those families that are struggling with homelessness. We have so many wonderful partners and volunteers that not only recognize the importance of housing stability in our area, but are passionately working to address the needs of those most vulnerable.”

Bryan has a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from California State University, Northridge. He also teaches an online Business Management course in Social Innovation for Brigham Young University Idaho.

Prior to his nonprofit work, Bryan received his Bachelor’s Degree in Film from Brigham Young University and worked in the film and television industry, including Walt Disney Studios, Steven Spielberg, Columbus Entertainment, and Creative Planet. Bryan is excited to use his diverse background to benefit FPOC.

When he’s not working to address social issues, Bryan is an avid reader, creative writer, and magician. We know Bryan will make a great impact at FPOC and are excited to have him as the new leader of our organization!

Family Promise of Orange County Media Coverage 2021-2022

Tue, 16 May 2023 13:50:58 GMT

Media Coverage

2022 Media Coverage

OC Register Article, 5/4/22 - NABC's Recycled Rides article – two OC families back on the road

https://www.ocregister.com/2022/05/05/recycled-rides-gets-two-oc-families-back-on-the-road/

Today in LA, NBC4 News: “Groundbreaking of New Apartment Complex for Families in Need” – 15-second segment on 5/3/22 at 4:56 AM PST

https://app.criticalmention.com/app/#clip/view/37129763-31fe-4e8c-97bd-b18490f6c437?token=d183c3ec-686a-49f3-a876-b58d6e04c91d

Today in LA, NBC4 News: “Groundbreaking of New Apartment Complex for Families in Need” – 15-second segment on 5/3/22 at 5:57 AM PST

https://app.criticalmention.com/app/#clip/view/d9241c21-10e9-4d36-a473-815fcebb1079?token=d183c3ec-686a-49f3-a876-b58d6e04c91d

Good Day LA, FOX11 News: “Groundbreaking for Housing Complex to Help Homeless Families in Tustin” – 35-second segment on 5/3/22 at 7:33 AM PST

https://app.criticalmention.com/app/#clip/view/b9bf82a4-e4bd-49d8-8cfb-667904b51c19?token=d183c3ec-686a-49f3-a876-b58d6e04c91d

Eyewitness News, ABC7: “In the Community” – 35-second segment on 5/3/22 at 6:10 PM PST

https://app.criticalmention.com/app/#clip/view/ccc039aa-9276-485b-9c75-9e6c65d4f9d1?token=d183c3ec-686a-49f3-a876-b58d6e04c91d

KFIAM (ABC News Radio): “Groundbreaking of House of Ruth in Tustin” – 40-second segment that has aired seven times since 5/3/22

https://app.criticalmention.com/app/#clip/view/6a3403d4-1337-41bc-9c27-39a964458b80?token=d183c3ec-686a-49f3-a876-b58d6e04c91d

Good Day LA: “Hop To It Easter Drive” – 25-second teaser at 7:12 a.m. on 4/11/22

https://app.criticalmention.com/app/#clip/view/2d06f2ea-23c4-4849-a85d-29a6d1c0d968?token=8674a958-4d2f-4b44-a031-f5a333c4c608

Good Day LA: “Hop To It Easter Drive” – LIVE 3-minute interview at 7:15 a.m. on 4/11/22

https://app.criticalmention.com/app/#clip/view/cb48fd3b-65d9-4a79-88cb-145de1050efa?token=8674a958-4d2f-4b44-a031-f5a333c4c608

Good Day LA: “Hop To It Easter Drive” – 30-second teaser at 8:09 a.m. on 4/11/22

https://app.criticalmention.com/app/#clip/view/20176444-f7c2-4a5d-a8ca-0eecbe44cd08?token=8674a958-4d2f-4b44-a031-f5a333c4c608

Good Day LA: “Hop To It Easter Drive” – LIVE 5-minute interview at 8:23 a.m. on 4/11/22

https://app.criticalmention.com/app/#clip/view/e46eac79-e1aa-46d5-a74b-0cfc3b39eca1?token=8674a958-4d2f-4b44-a031-f5a333c4c608

Good Day LA: “Hop To It Easter Drive” – LIVE 4-minute interview at 9:30 a.m. on 4/11/22

https://app.criticalmention.com/app/#clip/view/84d52ae5-ba86-4d21-a844-d7f15354e028?token=8674a958-4d2f-4b44-a031-f5a333c4c608

Spectrum News 1 - “Stuck in the Spin Cycle” – 3-minute segment on - 4/8/22

https://app.criticalmention.com/app/#clip/view/c1903ac6-4600-4442-8e87-9ea45d555c1d?token=2802772a-004c-4187-bfb2-e0168b5434b2

Los Angeles Times – March 10, 2022

Family Promise of Orange County and Quick Quack Car Wash help young mother find housing

The Tustin News – January 13, 2022 - Project Planned for Homeless Families

2021 Media Coverage

Spectrum News 1 – December 7, 2021 Once homeless, a family finds its footing

Orange County Business Journal – November 22, 2021 Promise of Home

Orange County Register – December 21, 2021

Homeless families soon could turn to House of Ruth for short-term help

Raegan and Nehemiah 5 min Video

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/r37njymwgehsg0d/AADC--_m2JbdhwBmabTGC4dEa?dl=0&preview=Full+Family+Video_Final.mp4

House of Ruth Video links

Shorter Video - 3:19 House of Ruth Video

Full Length Video - 5:23: Original House of Ruth Video

Media Coverage for House of Ruth Groundbreaking

Tue, 16 May 2023 13:32:23 GMT

For the House of Ruth Groundbreaking on May 3, 2022,

Family Promise of Orange County earned 1 online article, 1 print article, 4 television segments and 7 radio segments in major media outlets such as ABC7, NBC4, FOX11 and Los Angeles Times. Total impressions from these earned media placements is 29,756,129 impressions, which has an estimated advertising value equivalency of $121,830.

FAMILY PROMISE OF ORANGE COUNTY RAISES $214,000 FOR FAMILIES EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS AT 2021 “HELP, HOPE, HOME GALA”

Wed, 27 Oct 2021 18:00:34 GMT

The nonprofit also announces $3.7 million House of Ruth building campaign to construct new short-term transitional housing and community resource center.

Media Contact

Gemma Stewart – Rocket Launch PR

(714) 694-7212

gstewart@rocketlaunchagency.com

Orange, Calif. (October 27, 2021) – More than 100 Orange County philanthropists, business leaders and community champions gathered on Saturday, October 23 for Family Promise of Orange County’s (FPOC) annual Help, Hope, Home Gala. The event raised more than $214,000, enabling FPOC to continue providing emergency shelter, short-term transitional housing and holistic services to help families overcome homelessness, end the cycle of poverty and rebuild their lives.

Since its inception in 2012, FPOC has served more than 300 families and continues to grow. During the gala, the organization announced its House of Ruth building campaign , which will construct and staff a new housing community and comprehensive center that will triple the organization’s overall capacity. Developed in partnership with HomeAid Orange County and the City of Tustin, House of Ruth will support more than 200 struggling families each year. The campaign seeks to achieve a total of $3.7 million by the end of 2022 and has already raised half of the total amount needed to date.

Built on land donated by the City of Tustin, seven apartment-style housing units will provide short-term transitional housing for homeless families. The House of Ruth’s Community Center will also offer vital support programs that promote stability, health, healing and self-sufficiency for resident families and other vulnerable families from the region.

According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Orange County’s homeless population in 2020 was nearly 7,000, including more than 440 families . With the effects of the pandemic, those numbers are likely to skyrocket with the next census expected to happen in January 2022.

“The past two years have made raising a family even harder and taken an unthinkable toll on housing stability. We are overwhelmed by our supporters’ generous donations and that of so many others in our community,” said FPOC Executive Director Cyndee Albertson. “With the sharp increase in homelessness in Orange County throughout the pandemic, a housing community like House of Ruth is needed more than ever.”

The 1920s-themed annual benefit, held at The Villa in Orange, was sponsored by The Kenneth H. Dart Foundation, Wright Ford Young & Co., Tom & Tammy Hunt, and Barbara Berkowitz. In attendance at the Help, Hope, Home Gala were FPOC Board of Directors, including Daniel Griset, Cathy Threadgill, Rebecca Christiansen, Jodi Ristrom, Melody Mosley, Sue Currie and Barbara Mazeau. Also, in attendance were some of Orange County’s top business and community leaders, including Carl Greenwood, Bill Steiner, Bill Groves, Jonathan & Laurie Alelove, Curt Clemens, Pasha Mirhadi, Malcolm Thomas, Dan Young, Doy Henley, Dan Stone, Reverend Steve Ranney and Reverend Kim Skilling.

The evening kicked off with a cocktail reception featuring a red carpet, guests dressed to impress in their best 1920s attire, dancing flappers, lively music and tray passed hors d'oeuvres. The dinner and program offered a special presentation of the House of Ruth campaign and Reagan’s story, a single mom and her son who were in crisis and now are graduates of FPOC.

As part of the event, FPOC presented three awards – Volunteer of the Year: Jodi Ristrom, Caring Heart: Sandee Rogers, and Congregation Recognition: Tustin Presbyterian Church. In a moving tribute, attendees toasted Ristrom, Rogers and Tustin Presbyterian Church’s impact as FPOC supporters.

“These remarkable honorees have embraced our mission and are important partners in ensuring that every family has a home, a chance for a better future and that no child sees homelessness twice in their lifetime,” said Albertson. “Throughout the years, these award recipients have supported Family Promise not only financially but also through their valuable donated time. Because of them, hundreds of families’ lives have changed.”

The gala fundraiser provided many opportunities to support FPOC with items donated by community partners such as Anaheim Ducks, Six Flags Magic Mountain, Aquarium of the Pacific, Spirit Cruises and The Broad. The live auction featured two tickets and hotel stay for any choice of an MLB, NBA, NFL, NHL regular season game, as well as a three-night stay at the Stoller Family Wine Estate in Oregon. The silent auction featured getaways to Panama, The Grenadines and Antigua donated by Elite Island Resorts.

For more information on the nonprofit’s services and how to donate to the House of Ruth campaign, please visit https://www.familypromiseorangecounty.org/house-of-ruth .

About Family Promise of Orange County
Family Promise of Orange County’s mission is to help families experiencing homelessness to achieve housing stability. We are an interfaith organization that partners with and mobilizes volunteers from the faith-based community to end homelessness for Orange County’s families and their children. Families in our program receive a full complement of resources, support and training as they work towards their own stability and self-reliance. We help, we give hope, we bring families home!

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Tustin Approves New Transitional Housing for Growing Homeless Population

Wed, 18 Mar 2020 17:20:32 GMT

BY JESSICA GOODRICH

Published Mar 18, 2020 Updated Dec 8, 2020

The Tustin City Council has unanimously approved an agreement to construct a new transitional housing facility for homeless families to accommodate the city’s growing homeless population.

Editors’ Note : This dispatch is part of the Voice of OC Youth Media program, working with student journalists to cover public policy issues across Orange County. If you would like to submit your own student media project related to Orange County civics or if you have any response to this work, contact Digital Editor Sonya Quick at squick@voiceofoc.org .

The seven-unit, short-term housing development dubbed the “House of Ruth” by Family Promise of Orange County, a nonprofit organization that aids the homeless, will be located at 1941 El Camino Real, a city-owned vacant property near Interstate 5 by other apartment buildings and houses.

Transitional housing provides temporary homes for specific homeless populations, such as families and working individuals, who are unable to afford long-term housing. The goal is to transition these residents into permanent housing.

Read Article...

Deceased woman’s $180,000 donation brings portable showers to homeless families

Fri, 21 Feb 2020 00:24:00 GMT

Family Promise of Orange County uses donation to serve families living in temporary quarters at local churches.

By THERESA WALKER | Orange County Register

PUBLISHED: January 13, 2020 at 7:00 a.m. | UPDATED: January 13, 2020 at 10:07 a.m. New Paragraph

Before she died last February from cancer, Claire Collins decided that any money from the sale of her mobile home would be used to assist people in need. The modest amount – $180,000 – became her way of giving back.

A couple years earlier, Collins sought help from a neighbor at The Groves mobile home community in Irvine. She like to keep to herself, but, with a broken water heater, she needed help.

In her 80s and deep in credit card debt, Collins endured four months without hot water – and the ability to take a shower – before reaching out to a neighbor. The help she ended up getting led not only to a new water heater and other repairs to her home, but eventually to the establishment of the Claire D. Collins Helping Hands Foundation.

And through a $38,000 award from the foundation, the woman who once had no hot water to shower has made it possible, posthumously, for the faith-based nonprofit Family Promise of Orange County to provide hot showers to homeless families.