At Thomas House Family Shelter, our mission is to provide a safe, supportive environment and the resources necessary for homeless and at-risk families with children to remain together while empowering them to become independent and self-sufficient. As we reflect on the past fiscal year, we are both proud of our accomplishments and reminded of the ongoing need for our services. Our 2023-2024 Annual Report sheds light on the critical work we do and the lives we touch daily.
The Need for Our Services
The need for family shelters has never been more urgent. Economic instability, rising housing costs, and unforeseen emergencies have left many families vulnerable and in search of a safe place to call home. According to the latest data from the California Association of Realtors, a household income of $349,200 is now required to afford Orange County’s median-priced single-family home, priced at $1.37 million. This staggering figure highlights the immense challenges many families face in securing stable housing. With such high costs, it’s clear why affordable housing solutions are crucial for our community. At Thomas House Family Shelter, we strive to meet this demand by offering comprehensive support services that address the unique challenges faced by each family.
Impact Numbers: A Year of Achievement
Over the last year, Thomas House Family Shelter made significant strides in supporting families in crisis. Here are some of the key impact numbers from our annual report:
– Families Served: We provided shelter and essential services to 63 unduplicated families, including 160 children low-income, through our core programs: the Transitional Shelter and Supportive Services, and Homeless Prevention Services. Each family received individualized case management to help them navigate their journey towards stability, while those in our Homeless Prevention Services are already stable and receiving ongoing support to maintain their housing.
– Housing Success Rate: 100% of the families who graduated from our program secured permanent housing, a testament to the effectiveness of our housing navigation services and case management.
– Employment Assistance: 78% of our adult residents gained employment and 86% increased their income through job training and employment services, empowering them to achieve financial independence.
– Educational Support: 91% of the school-aged children in our program improved their academic performance, thanks to our Youth Development Program and Teen Case Management Services that provide educational support, after-school tutoring, and mentorship.
– Life Skills Training: We conducted over 70 life skills workshops, covering topics such as financial literacy, parenting, and health and wellness, equipping families with the tools they need for long-term success.
Stories of Hope
Beyond the numbers, our annual report is filled with inspiring stories of resilience and hope. Families who came to us in their darkest hours found the strength and resources to rebuild their lives. These success stories remind us why our work is so vital and motivate us to continue our mission.
Looking Ahead
While we are proud of our achievements this past year, we know that the need for our services continues to grow. We are committed to expanding our programs and resources to reach even more families in need. However, we cannot do this alone. We rely on the generosity of our community, volunteers, and supporters to make our mission possible.
Get Involved
You can help us make a difference. Consider donating, volunteering, or participating in our upcoming events. Opportunities include serving supper to our families on Thursday nights and participating in our back-to-school drive, which ends July 26. Together, we can provide hope and support to families in need.
Thank you for being a part of the Thomas House Family Shelter community. Your support enables us to continue our vital work and create a brighter future for the families we serve.
For more details, please read our full [2023-2024 Annual Report].