With food prices soaring and the cost of housing in Orange County reaching new highs, stability is slipping further out of reach for many families. Today, the average cost of a one-bedroom apartment in Orange County is over $2,400 per month, making it nearly impossible for low-income families to secure safe housing. At the same time, the price of groceries continues to rise, forcing families to make heartbreaking choices between rent, food, and other basic needs.

With homelessness on the rise, families are searching for a way forward—a path to stability, security, and hope. At Thomas House Family Shelter, we guide them along that journey, providing safe shelter and comprehensive support to help them reach their own Emerald City—a future filled with opportunity and independence.

On Wednesday, April 23rd, we’re joining forces with 26 other Orange County homeless service providers for Help Them Home Giving Day, illuminating the way for families in crisis.

Our Goal: $250,000

With your support, we can keep families on the Yellow Brick Road to self-sufficiency. Will you help us light the path forward?

Meet the Families You’re Impacting

Madison’s story is one of resilience, determination, and the power of community support. After spending two years in rehabilitation programs to overcome addiction, she found herself facing an uncertain future. With no job, no savings, and a young daughter to care for, Madison needed a fresh start. That’s when she learned about Thomas House Family Shelter from another client at her treatment facility. She had no idea what to expect, but when she arrived, she was relieved to find not just a shelter, but a fully furnished apartment—a place she and her daughter could call home.

From the moment she arrived, Madison immersed herself in the resources available at Thomas House. Pantry orders ensured she had food on her table, therapy sessions helped her process past trauma, and career development support opened doors she hadn’t considered. The structured support system provided her with case management and housing navigation, ensuring she stayed on track with applications and financial planning.

With the requirement to secure a job within 39 days, Madison dedicated herself to the process, applying to as many places as possible. When she finally landed a job, her self-esteem soured because she knew it wasn’t just a paycheck—it was a turning point. “Once I got employment, I was really encouraged that I was on the right path,” she recalls. “It built up my self-esteem so much, and I was able to save more than I ever had before.”

Madison didn’t just find employment; she excelled. She completed her dental assisting school while at Thomas House and proved to be such a dedicated employee at her job that she was cross-trained in multiple roles—an achievement she considers a personal promotion. Therapy, something she initially wasn’t fond of, became an invaluable tool in her journey. “Having someone to talk to every week helped me become aware of my cognitive behaviors and combat the negative ones with positive ones,” she shares. The support at Thomas House helped her prioritize tasks, manage time effectively, and develop a newfound sense of confidence.

One of the biggest milestones in her journey was reclaiming her independence. From maintaining her own apartment to staying on top of financial responsibilities, Madison took every lesson to heart. “Keeping my apartment clean for inspections, keeping a job, and saving money—these are all things that will help me when I leave here.”

Today, Madison stands proud of how far she has come. She is completing her DUI classes and, by March, will have her driver’s license reinstated. More importantly, she has built a solid foundation for her and her daughter’s future. “I really didn’t think I could do it on my own, but the support I received at Thomas House helped build my confidence. Now I know I can provide for my daughter and give her a good quality of life.”

To those facing struggles similar to hers, Madison offers words of encouragement: “It gets better. You just have to focus, prioritize, trust God, and do the footwork. It’s possible to build a better life for yourself and your kids.”

Madison’s story is proof that, with the right support, transformation is possible. But none of this happens without you.

This Help Them Home Giving Day, you have the power to light the path for families like Madison’s. Your donation provides safe shelter, essential services, and the hope that tomorrow can be brighter than today. Give now and be the reason another family finds stability, strength, and a second chance.

“There is hope.”

Your gift can go twice as far in helping families find stability, security, and a fresh start! Many employers offer donation matching programs, meaning your gift to Thomas House Family Shelter could be matched dollar for dollar—providing even more support for families on their journey to independence.

Check with your employer to see if they match donations and help us light the path forward for unhoused families with children.

For more information or to learn about how you can get involved, please contact:​

Shakoya Green Long, Chief Executive Officer
shakoya@thomashouseshelter.org