Families Forward of Irvine subsidizes rent through transitional housing

Families Forward has been serving lower income households of Orange County since 1984. The organization protects families from homelessness through a unique program that helps them transition to permanent rental housing.

Individuals or childless couples are not eligible for the transitional housing program. These applicants are generally referred to other agencies.

Families Forward has limited resources and therefore requires that applicants have children under the age of 18 that are still living in the home. Families who are already homeless (including living in motel) are the first priority, followed closely by those who are about to be homeless due to an eviction or inability to remain in a housing situation. This could be due to a breakup, strained relations with family or even domestic violence.

The transitional housing program provides a place to call home for a period of time. This residency varies depending on the needs of the family. Some residents could find themselves moving into permanent rental housing after a couple of months. Others may need many months to address their credit and save towards rent and security deposit.

While enrolled in the Housing Program, clients are provided with the career coaching and life skills courses necessary to help them regain their independence. Case managers will help them become banked if they have no bank account. They could assist with drafting a resume and with submitting applications for employment.

Participants are able to save their income during this program so that they can prepare to move into a new home. Twice the normal rent payment is a minimum recommendation, since a security deposit is typically a month’s rent. An additional amount to cover utility deposits is also recommended.

To facilitate this transition to permanent housing, Families Forward could choose to authorize advance rent payments to the new landlords. Some participants benefit through temporary subsidies that reduce the amount of rent that they are responsible for. It allows for some families to gain independence sooner by establishing a new household while still receiving some aid towards their rent.

Families living in Orange County may apply for the transitional housing program by calling Families Forward at 949-552-2727. An application will need to be submitted and an interview will be conducted prior to granting inclusion into the program.

Due to the high demand for this aid, not all applicants will be able to participate. Case managers often provide referrals to other programs if there is a better match in the community.