United to End Homelessness is one of Orange County United Way’s key initiatives.
United to End Homelessnessâ„ is committed to ending homelessness in Orange County so that everyone has a place to call home.
Our goal is to end homelessness in our community by achieving functional zero within targeted populations, which include Veterans, youth, older adults, and families. This means that there will be services and housing available for every individual who may need them.
We believe the solution to homelessness is a home; moving into permanent housing with supportive services gives a person a solid foundation to rebuild their life.
The Challenge: Moving People from Homelessness to Hope
One of the biggest challenges homeless families and individuals face in Orange County is that they simply cannot find a place to live. Even with housing vouchers, many people are unable to secure housing.
Another challenge we face is that there are not enough Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) units available in Orange County. We must advocate for building more as a long-term solution, but in the meantime, we have vulnerable neighbors who need to find homes now.
Despite these obstacles, we believe that, if we all work together, we can create long-term supportive housing solutions that do more for those most in need. Together, we can and we will end homelessness in Orange County.
How We Do More to End Homelessness
Housing Navigation and Landlord Incentive Program
WELCOMEHOMEOCâ„
Our housing navigation and landlord incentive program helps homeless individuals and families with rental assistance vouchers secure housing in private market apartments, and ensures supportive services are provided to help those who are newly housed stay in their homes for the long term. Our WelcomeHomeOC program, lauded as exemplary by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), also provides financial incentives and other assurances for landlords who rent units to people with housing vouchers.
Since the inception of the program in 2019, over 1,100 people experiencing homelessness have found a place to call home.
Public Awareness & Education
Homelessness 101 Classes
Through our Homelessness 101 classes, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the issue, breaking down myths, and providing the most up-to-date statistics and best practices for solving homelessness in our community.
Community Chats
We provide expert insights and dialogue designed to shed light on homelessness and housing insecurity in Orange County, and share solutions to end homelessness for good in our community. We also engage in broad public awareness activities through social media, speaking engagements, and other public educational opportunities.
Housing Advocacy
Housing Champions Advocacy Network
The Housing Champions Advocacy Network recruits, trains, organizes, and equips local residents to engage in advocacy in their communities for solutions to end homelessness. Our Housing Champions have gone on to see success in helping get affordable and permanent supportive housing units approved in Orange County.
United Way in Action: Committed to Ending Homelessness in Orange County
1,143
people housed through our WelcomeHomeOC housing navigation program
160
property owners in our WelcomeHomeOC landlord incentive program
As of November 20, 2024
Foundational Work: Public Awareness and Advocacy
Because everyone should have a place to call home.
We’re changing hearts and minds and engaging our community to help end homelessness in OC.
2,680
people attended our virtual informational sessions about homelessness
193
people trained as Housing Champions (658 total are now engaged in this effort)
337
total units were approved with advocacy efforts, 215 of which will be permanent supportive housing
Source: Scorecard Report 2021-2022
Thank You to Our Donors
Thank you to our donors who have contributed $20,000+ to support United to End Homelessness programs.
Donate to Support United to End Homelessness
Contact Us
Talk with the United to End Homelessness Team via email to learn more.
