“Stable housing has affected me my whole life,” says Felipe, an Orange County foster youth. With the help of local services that help provide housing for former foster youth, Felipe found his footing. And his story changed when he connected with Orange County United Way’s WelcomeHomeOC housing navigation program.
As a child, Felipe experienced abuse at home. He recalls his homelife feeling unstable and chaotic, lacking safety or comfort.
The Impact of Housing Insecurity
During his sophomore year of high school, Felipe came home one day and found the house empty. His family gone. “I just remember walking in and no one was home,” shared Felipe. “There was absolutely nothing in the closets besides hangers. My birth certificate and social security card left on the entertainment center where the TV used to be.”
The shock and devastation took a mental toll on Felipe that eventually impacted his schoolwork and relationships. “I went from being the funny, goofy kid that got along with everyone and turned into the kid that kind of went off the deep end a little bit,” said Felipe.
The Search for Foster Youth Housing Support
Shortly thereafter, Felipe had to enter the foster care system. Despite some obstacles and setbacks, he graduated high school and even joined an organization that advocates for foster youth.
“That was the first time, as a foster youth, that I felt like I had a voice,” said Felipe. “I felt really empowered seeing that we could make change by coming together. Instead of letting ourselves be impacted by the environments that we are in, we could take those experiences and help set paths for other foster youth.”
The transition out of the foster care system, usually at age 18, is challenging. Housing for former foster youth and other resources exist in California, but young adults, like Felipe, are often expected to be self-sufficient at an early age. Consequently, many struggle to adjust.
In fact, in the first four years after aging out of foster care, approximately 20% of former foster youth experience homelessness.
Putting in the Work
Felipe knew he would have to work hard in order to move out and be successful on his own. He enrolled in cosmetology courses at California State University, Fullerton while working two jobs in order to afford rent for an apartment that he shared with another person.
“Ever since I was a kid, I wanted to be a cosmetologist,” said Felipe. Upon completing his course hours, he needed to take the state board exam, which was in Glendale. “I was in Fullerton and I didn’t have any means of getting there myself. On the day of the test, my ride flaked on me. So, at that point, without being able to get my license, I gave up on my dreams of becoming a cosmetologist.”
Unexpected Setbacks
After that, Felipe struggled a bit as he jumped from job to job. He landed a job as a prep cook, but then faced and unexpected furlough. Felipe felt like his life had taken another abrupt turn toward instability.
“Housing and a sense of security has always been a very big factor in how far I feel I’m able to take success and how far I’m able to reach my goals and my dreams,” said Felipe. “Especially for foster youth, we always have this feeling that things are going to get ripped out from under us… because that’s what we’ve become used to.”
Local Housing for Former Foster Youth in OC
Around that time, Felipe’s case manager told him about a housing voucher that was specifically for foster youth and, knowing he would be a good candidate, encouraged Felipe to apply. Initially, Felipe was denied the voucher.
“It is very easy to get lost in the housing system,” said Becks Heyhoe-Khalil, Executive Director of Orange County United Way’s United to End Homelessness initiative. “For anyone not familiar with the ins and outs, it can be extremely hard to navigate.”
That is exactly why Orange County United Way developed a housing navigation program called WelcomeHomeOC. The program helps individuals, Veterans, foster youth, and families experiencing housing insecurity and homelessness secure housing in private market apartments, reducing barriers and risk for both tenants and landlords.
A Housing Navigation Program That Works
With the help of his case manager, Felipe was able to make a successful appeal. He received a special housing voucher for foster youth and then connected with Orange County United Way.
“Affordable housing is a major issue in our community. Tack on the complexity of the housing system and you can see why so many people face insurmountable barriers,” said Becks.
The WelcomeHomeOC housing program works to end homelessness in Orange County by offering homelessness prevention support. It does this by ensuring voucher holders find a safe, affordable place to call home. The program also provides move-in support and offers 12 months of housing stabilization services to help ensure people remain housed.
Since the inception of the housing navigation program, over 1,200 Orange County residents have found housing – and Felipe is one of them!
A Place to Call Home
With the support of Orange County United Way’s housing navigation program team, Felipe was able to move into his own apartment in South County.
“I feel like it’s a privilege and I get excited to cook or check the mail,” said Felipe. “It’s the little things that I choose to look forward to in my day because, looking back, I see how a lack of stability really played a role in my upbringing. So, now that I’m an adult, having an environment that I can control in a positive, reaffirming way means everything.”
With a stable foundation, Felipe now has the ability to proactively work on himself. “Having my own place has made a world of a difference. It has allowed me to dedicate more time to my mental health. It’s been a very big factor on my healing journey.”
The Stability to Dream Again
This past October, Felipe passed his exam and earned his cosmetologist license. “I’m now actively pursuing my dream career as a cosmetologist in Orange County. That wouldn’t be possible without the support I’ve received,” said Felipe. “I’m so grateful for the people who believed in me and wanted the best for me.”
Watch Felipe’s full Orange County Housing Success Story here.
Want to support local housing programs in Orange County?
- Learn More About WelcomeHomeOC Housing Navigation Program
- Help End Homelessness in OC
- Donate to support ending homelessness in Orange County
Do you or someone you know need housing assistance?
If you or someone you know is experiencing homelessness and looking for help, please dial 2-1-1. Or visit 211oc.org to connect with local services and resources.
