Moms and Kids Cross Over to a New Life

Many people picture a man when they hear about the homeless. But the face of the typical homeless person has changed as more women and children find themselves living on the streets. In fact, 60% of homeless women in Orange County are supporting at least one child. Living in poverty, these children don’t get proper nutrition or attend school consistently. They move around between seedy hotels, and often must skip meals to pay for the room.

The mothers are dealing with a variety of problems such as drug abuse, credit problems, domestic abuse, poor health, insufficient education, probation and jail time. They have no realistic plan or hope of escaping the situation. Yet they love their children and want what’s best for them. That’s why the House of Hope is so important. It’s the only program in Orange County for women and their children, offering free transitional housing. The House of Hope is a cheerful, 15,000-square-foot house built in the charming Craftsman style, located in the city of Orange.

Yet it’s much more than a place to stay. Women who live at the House of Hope participate in a 12-24 month program that will take them away from a lifetime of detrimental habits and lead them to self-sufficiency. Up to 15 mothers and 30 children can live in the House at one time. The women who graduate from the House of Hope have left behind them the abusive lifestyles, bad choices and tragic circumstances that led them into homelessness and poverty. Today, they stand on their own, supporting their families and raising their children with new purpose.

Women participate in the successful New Life program to turn their lives around. Those struggling with drug use, eating disorders, alcohol abuse and other addictive behaviors receive counseling through our Celebrate Recovery program. If the mothers or children need medical attention, they receive it at the Hurtt Family Health Clinic at the Village of Hope.

Taking steps towards becoming financially self-sufficient, the women work to acquire their high school diplomas if they don’t have them. Then, career counseling helps them to identify their skills, and vocational training prepares the women for a skilled, marketable position. To learn how to be loving, firm and skillful in raising their children, the mothers receive training in Active Parenting Today sessions. Financial counseling helps them to clean up their credit and learn budgeting skills. They also receive training in proper nutrition, anger management and other life skills.

Most importantly, the House of Hope helps these downhearted mothers fill the spiritual hole in their lives. They learn the power and effectiveness of personal communion with God through daily prayer. As the mothers are lead through Bible studies, they learn how to apply God’s Word to all areas of their lives. They learn to recognize God’s guidance and sweet embrace.

While the mothers remake their lives, the children are nurtured in an on-site Child Development Center. They enjoy their fun, colorful environment, free of worry about danger. They build confidence, make new friends, and have the freedom just to be kids. Some children also receive training in areas such as self-expression, proper classroom behavior, and interaction with other children.

This all-encompassing program gives families a way out of their sad situations. The House of Hope is a haven of peace, safety and support as mothers work towards a better future for themselves and their children.