Frequently Asked Questions

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1. What areas do you serve?

We serve cities in South Orange County, including:

2. Do you offer immediate or emergency housing?

We do not have emergency shelter. For emergency shelters in your area, please contact 2-1-1 Orange County (a general resource center that serves all of Orange County) by dialing 2-1-1 from a land line or 888.600.4357 from a cell phone. If you are looking for affordable housing try searching at www.ochousing.org.

3. Do you offer mental health counseling?

2-1-1 is the best source for mental health referrals: dial 2-1-1 from a land line or (888) 600-4357 from a cell phone. You can also call Orange County Health Agency at (714) 834-4722.

4. Do you offer rental or utility assistance?

We sometimes offer limited rent and utility assistance to clients already enrolled in our Programs. Please contact 2-1-1 Orange County by dialing 2-1-1 from a landline or by calling (888) 600-4357 from a cell phone for help with these needs.

5. Can you give me driving directions to your location?

From Tustin Area
Drive south on Irvine Blvd.
(OR take 5 FWY South to Sand Canyon � turn left. At Irvine Blvd � turn right.)
Go 3.1 miles to Allred Center � turn left.
We are straight ahead in the Allred Business Center.

From South County
Take 5 FWY North to Bake � turn right.
At Irvine Blvd. - turn left.
At Allred Center � turn right.
We are straight ahead in the Allred Business Center.

From Rancho Santa Margarita
Take Santa Margarita Pkwy towards Foothill Ranch.
Santa Margarita Pkwy becomes Portola Pkwy.
At Bake Pkwy � turn left.
At Irvine Blvd � turn right.
At Allred Center � turn right.
We are straight ahead in the Allred Business Center.

From 405 FWY South
Take 405 FWY South to Irvine Center Drive � turn left.
At Alton - turn right.
At Irvine Blvd. - turn left.
At Allred Center - turn right
We are straight ahead in the Allred Business Center.

From 405 FWY South
Take 405 FWY North to Bake Pkwy � turn right.
At Irvine Blvd � turn left.
At Allred Center � turn right.
We are straight ahead in the Allred Business Center.

Food Pantry FAQ's

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1. When is the food pantry available?

Our normal food pantry hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:20 a.m. to 4:00 p.m and Wednesdays from 9:20 a.m. to 12 p.m. For best service to our clients we use an appointment system; please call 949.552.2727 to make an appointment. If you have an emergency, call us anytime during business hours, we can provide help.

2. What is the process for picking up food?

At your appointment date and time, arrive at Families Forward with your driver's license or identification card, a utility bill or other proof of residency, and a proof of income. If you are a new client, we will collect information about you and your family to create your food pantry file and assist you in addressing other needs.

3. Am I allowed to "shop" the food pantry?

Depending on the size of the family, we have a pre-determined set of baskets of everyday foods and groceries suitable for a family's needs. The basket is already prepared and ready for you to take at your appointment date and time. If you are a vegetarian, diabetic, or do not eat pork, please let us know when you make your appointment. Of course, items available are always dependent upon what we have received as donations.

4. How often can I visit the food pantry?

The food pantry may be accessed up to 6 times a year. You may pick up food one time per month, waiting at least 30 days between each food visit.

Transitional Housing FAQ's

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1. How do I apply for the Transitional Housing Program?

Fill out a Family Information Form by calling us at 949.552.2727, and we will contact you if you meet the qualifications and if there is housing available.

2. How do I know if I qualify for the Transitional Housing Program?

You must have minor children under 18 years of age, be homeless or soon to be homeless with a 30-day eviction notice, sober for at least one year, and off parole or probation for at least one year. Homeless Intervention is an intense program specifically designed to assist a family to achieve and maintain financial self-sufficiency. Our clients must have the desire and perseverance to work with our counselors to become self-sufficient.

3. I'd like to know more about the transitional homes. What are the living conditions?

We have 23 decentralized homes located in safe neighborhood communities throughout Irvine. Our homes are comfortable, clean and fully furnished with all the supplies a family needs.