Defining Stabilization

Every family that experiences homelessness has a unique story. It is also not uncommon for families to experience multiple episodes of housing instability on their journey to permanent housing. Family Promise of Orange County recognizes that approaching homelessness from only one avenue may not solve the issue entirely.

We are proud to provide all of the families in our programs with stabilization services. This ongoing support aims to preserve family independence, thus reducing the rate of return to a shelter program. Statistics show that families who experience homelessness at least once are more likely to experience it again. We want to end this cycle.

Stabilization services help families navigate secondary traumas to homelessness such as financial strains, employment barriers, unstable mental health, and previous debts. Extra support helps improve quality of life so the family can focus on obtaining and maintaining permanent housing.

Through stabilization services, Family Promise is also able to contribute to stronger community relationships by strengthening relationships with landlords, community partners, faith communities, and employers.

At Family Promise of Orange County, while our primary goal is to help families get into permanent housing, we also aim to keep families in their homes once they are there.

The Five Points of the Family Promise Star

Family Promise of Orange County is one of over 200 Family Promise affiliates nationwide. All affiliates use the same Family Promise logo with the yellow star. The star is recognized as the logo's most important element and a visual representation of the history and mission of Family Promise.

The five points of the star represent the five key elements of Family Promise: Shelter, Prevention, Stabilization, Community, and Promise.

Shelter: Our shelter programs keep families experiencing homelessness together while providing safe and temporary housing.

Prevention: Prevention services aim to serve families at imminent risk of homelessness to keep them in their homes. Diversion services also aim to work with families in identifying temporary solutions in order to avoid homelessness and entering the shelter system.

Stabilization: After families graduate our program into permanent housing, stabilization services provide them with the resources they need to remain successfully housed.

Community: We serve families through a community-based response. Our partner

congregations and volunteers are the heart of our program.

Promise: We make a promise to work until every family has a home to call their own.

Congregation Spotlight: Trinity United Presbyterian Church

Trinity United Presbyterian Church is located in Santa Ana, California. Douglas J. Rumford, Trinity’s lead pastor, is currently in his 15th year of service, providing leadership for the many ministries at Trinity which include: Worship & Music, Student & Family, Care & Prayer, Adult Ministries and Missional Engagement.

Trinity’s history began in 1876. At that time, the first sanctuary was located at 4th and Mortimer in downtown Santa Ana. Through the years, Trinity has grown from a charter membership of 14 to its current membership of over 1500. Trinity’s mission is ‘Building a community fully alive in Christ.’ They are a gospel-based congregation, believing fully in sharing the ‘Good News’ to the community.

Support for local and global missions has always been an important part of the DNA of Trinity’s members. Trinity members actively serve all over the world and close to 20% of Trinity’s annual budget supports mission and outreach.

Trinity has been involved with Family Promise as a host congregation since 2013. That same year, Trinity provided financial support to help Family Promise buy a van to transport our families. Melody Mosley serves as ministry coordinator. She is supported by a team of wonderful ministry partners who serve as overnight hosts, provide meals and hospitality to those in need.

We at Family Promise of Orange County are proud to partner with Trinity United Presbyterian Church and have them serve as one of our host congregations!