WelcomeHomeOC℠

Housing Navigation Program

Since 2019, Orange County United Way’s WelcomeHomeOC program has helped over 854 OC individuals experiencing homelessness find a place to call home. The program connects individuals and families holding housing vouchers with local apartment owners. It covers moving expenses, security deposits, basic furnishings and wrap-around services to assist newly housed residents stay in their homes as well as resources for the property owners.

Nationally recognized for its success and innovation, WelcomeHomeOC is the ﬁrst housing navigation program tailored to Orange County property owners as well as qualified families, Veterans, foster youth, and seniors in need of permanent housing.

If you are a local property owner looking to get involved, learn about the WelcomeHomeOC Property Network.

If you are looking for housing or financial assistance, visit our Get Help page or call 2-1-1.

WelcomeHomeOC by the Numbers*

people housed

property owners in the network

*as of April 25, 2023

Day's Story, WelcomeHomeOC program beneficiary

“I think I would still be living in a car right now without United Way.” – Day, Army Veteran

Army veteran Day returned from deployment in 2012 and was diagnosed with PTSD. Even working 60-hour weeks and two jobs, she couldn’t build enough savings for move-in cost plus rent. Day became homeless and was living in a borrowed car. Her situation seemed hopeless. But then our WelcomeHomeOC program helped her find an apartment where she could use her housing voucher.

Ernie Schroeder, WelcomeHomeOC property owner

President of Schroeder Investment Partners, Inc.

“This program is a win-win for everyone involved. It provides sound business benefits to property owners while at the same time, a rewarding opportunity to better the community by helping end homelessness in Orange County.”

Each of us can play a part in solving homelessness in our community—whether we volunteer, donate, or advocate for our homeless neighbors. Not only did Ernie Schroeder step up to the challenge, but he has gone above and beyond by helping nearly 100 Orange County households who were experiencing homelessness find permanent housing thanks to the apartment units he submitted to Orange County United Way’s WelcomeHomeOC housing navigation program.

Empowered By Orange County United Way