- Community Resources
- Housing
- Rental and Utility Assistance
- Medical
- Government Assistance
- Clothing
- Other Resources
- Community Resources Guide
Community Resources
Families Forward has been helping local families since 1984. We have a wealth of information about other agencies and services that might be able to help you. Please call us at (949) 552-2727 or fill out a Triage form. We’re here to listen and answer your questions.
You can also dial 2-1-1 to reach a free, 24-hour information and referral helpline linking you to thousands of local health and human service programs in the area. Or visit www.211oc.org.
“The staff and volunteers at Families Forward are so understanding and respectful. They helped me find the right services to meet my needs.”
Housing Resources
Rental and Utility Assistance
The following agencies may have funds available for rental assistance or utility assistance. Since most agencies have funding cycles, we cannot guarantee that any of these currently have funds available.
Family Assistance Ministries provides food, shelter, and client aid to thousands of people in South Orange County. They provide shelter, utility assistance, transportation assistance, medical, dental, prescriptions assistance, financial counseling and courses.
Mercy House has housing programs, a shelter and other support services. Please call for program and appointment information.
SOS (Share Our Selves), Costa Mesa
Emergency Financial Aid is available Monday through Friday for basic necessities including rent, utilities and transportation. You are required to be at SOS by 8:00am. Limited parking is available onsite so please plan additional time for parking. Please bring a photo ID, proof of Orange County residency, and any documents you have to support your request.
South County Outreach has a Food Pantry, housing assistance, and computer classes. Please call for program and appointment information.
Medical Resources
SOS (Share Our Selves), Costa Mesa
The SOS Community Health Center serves all of Orange County. The clinic provides full-scope primary care including preventative health care, urgent care, chronic disease management, mental health services, and same-day appointments. SOS treats patients at all stages of life – pediatrics to geriatrics.
Provides free dental services to children.
Laguna Beach Community Clinic, Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach Community Clinic offers quality medical, dental and health education services to low-income and uninsured residents of Orange County by utilizing a sliding fee scale and public support funds for care reimbursement. Please call or visit website for more information.
Provides free health care services to those in need.
WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)
WIC is a supplemental food, nutrition education and breastfeeding support program. It serves low to moderate-income pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum women, and infants/children up to age 5 who are at nutritional risk.
Camino Health Center, San Juan Capistrano
Government Assistance
Orange County Housing Authority (HUD/Section 8 Housing)
Clothing Resources
Beach Cities Interfaith, Huntington Beach
Beach Cities Interfaith provides groceries for families, clothing, brown bag lunch program, referrals, utility & transportation funds (if available) – Must make appointment.
Working Wardrobes, Fountain Valley
Working Wardrobes provides numerous services including: professional clothing, employment, career, financial literacy, and life skills training.
Women Helping Women, Costa Mesa
Women Helping Women provides professional business apparel, image consulting, and employment search support to women.
Other Resources
- RefugeLink – Orange County “essential services locator app”
Food Resources
- Text FOOD to 877877 and receive a message back with a location closest to where school aged children can get free summer meals (breakfast and lunch).
Seasonal Resources
- Free activities for kids in Orange County
- Free things to do in Orange County this summer (2017)
- List of fairs and festivals in southern California
- Free movies to see this summer in Orange County
- Click here for a list of local Thanksgiving resources.
- Click here for a list of local Holiday resources.
Career Resources
Click here for a list of career-based services and workshops in Orange County.
Community Resources Guide
Saturday, April 28, 2018
Irvine Valley College
Each spring, Families Forward hosts a Community Resource Fair on the Irvine Valley College campus to provide easy access to many different resources and agencies for families to find the help they need. Click here to learn more about our upcoming Community Resource Fair.
As part of this event every year, Families Forward creates a Community Resource Guide with contact information and a summary of the available services. Download the most current Community Resource Guide:
