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The Care N Share Team of Volunteers had an opportunity to tour one of the facilities of the Orange County Rescue Mission (OCRM) where many of your generous donations of non-perishables are sent each month. Upon arriving at the Village of Hope, a comprehensive facility for homeless men, women and children, we could see the efforts and donations of so many being actively used – including our food collection of that morning.
There are only 900 emergency shelter beds in Orange County for the 35,000 homeless. Of this number, over 16,000 are children; over 5,300 are children under the age of six years old. What makes the Village of Hope location unique from the other shelters is that they can now provide vocational training, childcare, medical and dental care, shelter, meals, life skills, parenting classes and mental health services. The elementary-age children are able to attend public school one mile down the street. Best of all, homeless families can be housed together and not separated into different overnight shelters.
Opening the doors in July 2008, the Village of Hope facility can house up to 200 ‘students’ (the name given to the residents when they enter into the Village) and presently they have 120 students. The goal is to enable them to rebuild their lives and assist them to become self-sufficient as they transition back into society by providing wraparound services in one location. The average stay is typically up to 18 months.
Our tour director told us that people are referred to the OCRM from the County, the police department, churches and personal referrals.
Arroyo Vista’s Care N Share Program has grown through the years and with it, so has the incessant need for food. Be assured your donations are being sorted, boxed and put to use immediately and that you make a difference! The tour director said that Arroyo Vista is unique in our continual giving of donations to their program. They are so appreciative of our giving efforts throughout the school year.
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