There are 12,707 homeless in Orange County. How can one person make a difference? With the help of people like you, One Step houses the homeless one family at a time in Host Homes or Our House, a 3 month transitional home.
Homeless single parent families are referred to One Step by: Social Services, Capistrano, Saddleback, Tustin and Irvine school districts, 211 and local churches.
Host Homes
Tonight there are thousands of single parent families that are homeless in Orange County.
Do you have an empty room?
Why not use your empty room to house a homeless single parent family for up to 25 days? One Step assigns a host coordinator who helps you set personalized house rules. As a liaison between you and the family in need, the host coordinator adjusts house rules as needed and is available to provide support throughout the process.
Homeless single parent families are referred by local churches and school districts. While living in a host home, the single parent family works with a parent partner and a financial counselor to help the family get into a place of their own and become self-sufficient once again. Single parent families cannot be fleeing abuse, have physical or mental disabilities, and are screened for drugs. Click the button below to contact us for more information.
Our House
In February 2012 we acquired a condo to house single parent families with teenagers for a 3 month period, with 3 additional months if program guidelines are met. During that time they are assigned a parent partner, financial counselor, career coach and life skills partner to help them get back on their feet. You can support Our House by making a monthly or one time donation, or donate any of the items listed below, to help offset the cost of our efforts.
"Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor with shelter - when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?"
Isaiah 58:7
How will you help?
- Pray for Our House to be a place God's love grows as families regain their place in this world.
- Give a financial donation to help offset costs of Our House.
- Volunteer your time to make a difference for a single parent family, by assembling welcome packages.
- Donate supplies to be used at Our House.
Why a transitional house?
- Other transitional houses are full.
- Other transitional houses don't house children 12-18 years of age.
- Other transitional house residents must have a car and a job.
One Step houses those without a job/car and/or children 12 or older.
Goals
- Take single parents with teenagers out of motels, cars, and off the streets into stable housing.
- Provide the tools for single parents to become self-sufficient.
- Set individualized plans that utilize services that will equip them financially, spiritually, vocationally, and domestically.
- Partner with local churches, businesses, and private parties to operate and fund this program.
Team
- Program coordinator: The Director of One Step Ministry oversees the program, coordinates the Our House team, and provides volunteer opportunities for the residents.
- Job training and skills: A recruiter assists residents with resumes and locating jobs. A certified business coach provides mock interviews and career tips.
- Case Manager: A volunteer meets weekly with residents to identify and accomplish goals needed to become self sufficient.
- Parent partner: A volunteer meets bi-weekly to help the family identify their needs, then helps create and monitor a plan to meet those needs.
- Spiritual Counselor: A volunteer meets monthly with each resident to provide spiritual guidance and pray with and for them.
- Financial counselors: A volunteer with a background in finance or accounting helps each resident establish and maintain a budget.
Resident Requirements
- Residents must speak English and be in the U.S. legally
- Residents must have at least one child 12 years or older
- Residents must be homeless or live in a motel
- Residents must have a hunger to change their life situation and willingness to work the plan they create
Resident Responsibilities
- Our House residents pay a refundable deposit of $200
- Our House residents save 30% of their income
- Our House residents must participate in Bible study or Book Club and attend TerraNova Church
- Our House residents must meet regularly with a financial counselor, case manager and parent partner
