Forty years ago, one simple act of kindness sparked a movement. Mary and Bernie Selz did the unexpected when they opened their home to an unhoused woman and her son, providing them with food, a phone call to her parents, and a bus ticket back to Oklahoma. Soon after, another mother and son found refuge with them. It became clear that they needed to do more in response to the growing unhoused population in the community. In 1986, Mary and Bernie founded Thomas House Family Shelter with a vision to uplift, support, and provide hope to unhoused families in Orange County
What began with a single rented apartment for a family in need has grown into a community serving over 65 families annually with housing, therapy, career support, youth programs, and homeless prevention services. For four decades, Thomas House has been more than just a roof over families’ heads; it has been a place of healing, transformation, and new beginnings. A place of empowerment where kids can just be kids again, and their parents can build toward stability and self-sufficiency in a supportive environment.
40 Years of Adapting to the Needs of the Community
Over the years, Thomas House has grown alongside the needs of the community:
- 1986: Thomas House officially founded
- 1990: Supported by the city of Garden Grove and county of Orange, Thomas House purchased 2 entire buildings (total of 16 apartment units).
- 2000: Thomas House expanded their services with Youth development, career development, and counseling programs
- 2018-2019: 8 new units purchased, expanded our total number of units from 16 to 24. Career development coordinator and youth mentoring, youth sports, and enrichment programs added.
- 2023: Clinical program director and housing navigator positions added. Clinical internship program launched.
Throughout the years, Thomas House has grown its capacity and programs to better support unhoused families. Housing units have expanded and new youth, career, and clinical services have been added to meet the community’s changing needs.
Thomas House’s goals are not just centered around providing temporary shelter for the unhoused. The programs and services added over the years aim to break the cycle of homelessness and allow us to continue to support our residents after they graduate from our program.
More Than Shelter: Building Futures
Breaking the cycle of homelessness involves more than just a roof over someone’s head. Thomas House continues to be more than just a shelter for families in crisis. Today, we provide critical wraparound services that empower families to build stability:
- Safe and fully furnished housing
- Career development and job training
- On-site childcare
- Therapy for the entire family
- Educational support for children
- Financial literacy workshops
From guiding adults towards attaining increased employment opportunities to helping our youth overcome the cycle of poverty to prepare for a successful future, we remain committed to empowering families and strengthening futures. Our programs are critical in guiding our residents towards brighter futures with self-sufficiency and accountability.
We are proud to continue our clinical and case management/social work internship programs to provide valuable training that prepares future therapists, social workers, and case managers with the skills to make a lasting impact. These programs provide more than just hands-on experience to the interns. They help expand our capacity to serve families in need by bringing additional support to our team and ensuring the sustainability of critical services for families in crisis.
Honoring 40 Years Together:
On September 20, 2025, our community came together in celebration of four decades of impact at the 40th Anniversary Annual Celebration Gala. Guests enjoyed dinner, entertainment, auctions, and dancing, while also honoring key supporters who have been instrumental in advancing our mission.
The evening raised more than $295,000, which will directly support families on their journey towards stability and independence. Heartfelt tributes throughout the night reflected not only on our history but also on the lives transformed through the love and dedication of our community.
In addition to the Gala, we are excited to launch several special initiatives throughout our anniversary year. Each is designed to invite supporters into our mission and expand the impact we can make together:
- 40 for 40 Monthly Giving Campaign: Join us in honoring 40 years of impact by giving $40 per month to help families build brighter futures
- THE Circle: A new legacy giving society recognizing donors who demonstrate extraordinary commitment to ending family homelessness
- Holiday Appeal: Make a difference this year by donating so that Thomas House can continue to make a difference in the future
- Help Them Home: Day of Giving: A collaborative campaign uniting the community to raise funds and awareness for unhoused families
- Annual Walk/ Run Fundraiser: A family friendly event that brings neighbors together to stand up for stability, hope, and empowerment
Looking Ahead
While Thomas House continues to grow as we look to the future, we continue to base our work in love, empowerment, and accountability. Thomas House’s legacy is shaped by collective efforts. Without the hard work and support of our donors, staff, volunteers, interns, board members, partners, residents, and graduates for 40 years, we would not be able to continue to provide critical services to families with children at risk of our experiencing homelessness.
One act of compassion by Mary and Bernie Selz 40 years ago grew into a place where families continue to find stability, hope, and develop the tools to rebuild their lives. We are honored to have you all alongside us as we honor 40 years of Thomas House and look to shape the next 40 years of hope and transformation.