Families Forward
Families Forward

Families Forward

$150,000
Goal
$170,457
Raised
264
Donors
100%
Funded
OUR STORY

Together we grow, together we thrive

With your support to Families Forward during Help Them Home 2026, more children and families experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity will have access to the resources they need to blossom.

All across our region, families of all shapes and sizes are working to find and maintain stable housing—overcoming the lack of affordable housing and the high cost of living in Orange County. Families Forward's team of dedicated staff, volunteers, supporters, and board members envision a future where every local family has a home and the opportunity to thrive. Guided by this vision, we work to tackle the pervasive issue of homelessness for families with children, and improve the lives of more than 17,000 of our neighbors last year. From providing food assistance, career coaching, mental health counseling, to financial literacy education, we’re as committed to strengthening overall well-being as we are to ensuring everyone has a place to call home, grow and blossom into success, and thrive.


MATCHES & CHALLENGES
Brookfield Residential
Brookfield Residential
Completed Match
$2,500 Match Available (1:1 Ratio)
1:1 Match Up to $2,500
Sponsored by Brookfield Residential
$2,500 MATCHED $0 REMAINING
Columbia Bank
Columbia Bank
Completed Match
$15,000 Match Available (1:1 Ratio)
1:1 Match Up to $15,000
Sponsored by Columbia Bank Community Impact Fund
$15,000 MATCHED $0 REMAINING
Easy Street Capital
Easy Street Capital
Completed Match
$2,500 Match Available (1:1 Ratio)
1:1 Match Up to $2,500
Sponsored by Easy Street Capital
$2,500 MATCHED $0 REMAINING
Families Forward Board of Directors
Families Forward Board of Directors
Completed Match
$25,000 Match Available (1:1 Ratio)
1:1 Match Up to $25,000
Sponsored by Families Forward Board of Directors
$25,000 MATCHED $0 REMAINING
AvalonBay Communities
AvalonBay Communities
Completed Match
$15,000 Match Available (1:1 Ratio)
1:1 Match Up to $15,000
Sponsored by AvalonBay Communities
$15,000 MATCHED $0 REMAINING
The Henigan Family
The Henigan Family
Completed Match
$5,000 Match Available (1:1 Ratio)
1:1 Match Up to $5,000
Sponsored by The Henigan Family
$5,000 MATCHED $0 REMAINING
Bob Davis & Susan Hori
Bob Davis & Susan Hori
Completed Match
$5,000 Match Available (1:1 Ratio)
1:1 Match Up to $5,000
Sponsored by Bob Davis & Susan Hori
$5,000 MATCHED $0 REMAINING
Maple Family Peace, Love, Sunshine Fund
Maple Family Peace, Love, Sunshine Fund
Completed Match
$5,000 Match Available (1:1 Ratio)
1:1 Match Up to $5,000
Sponsored by Maple Family Peace, Love, Sunshine Fund
$5,000 MATCHED $0 REMAINING
FUNDRAISERS
Dirt Dynasty
$680
Families Forward Volunteers
$5,576
Friends of the Board
$1,035
Fruits of Your Labor
$10,135
Rooted Rebels
$1,270
The Gnome Grown Heroes
$1,510
The Gnomes
$525
The Hip-Peas
$2,775
Vincent Van Growers
$2,565
RECENT DONATIONS
Jennifer Culbertson
$500
Kedin Family
$2,000
Anonymous
$1,000
Jacquie & John Boslet
$500
Debbie Ramos
$25
Melanie Kim
$10
Cynthia Newman
$50
Giselle Castro
On behalf of On behalf of Lesli Rivera and the Hip-peas team
$5
Barbara Taborek
$100
Joanne And Dennis Keith
$5,000
Anonymous
$3,300
Alveris Corson
$100
Katie Szymczak
$7
Rick Emerling
$999
Maureen Crayton
$50
Frank Rugani
$125
Paul Bonfanti
$50
Anonymous
On behalf of The Hoff Family
$1,000
Kerry De Raad
$75
Anonymous
$50
Briana Velasquez
For Adriana: Go Team Hip-Peas!
$5
Briana Velasquez
For Damai: Go Team Hip-Peas!
$5
Briana Velasquez
For Brian: Go Team Hip-Peas!
$5
Briana Velasquez
For Gary: Go Team Hip-Peas!
$5
Briana Velasquez
For Lesli: Go Team Hip-Peas!
$5
Briana Velasquez
For Hanna: Go Team Hip-Peas!
$5
Jillian And David Miller
$250
Matthew Luongo
$50
Michele Silva
$600
Allison Kramsky
$100
Barb Roquemore
Keep it up y’all! Grateful for all you do!!
$50
Anonymous
$100
Lynn Tierney
$250
Buthenah Ibrahim
❤️ Love you Hanna!
$100
Donna Lopatin
$25
Shadi Pourshirazi
$50
Christopher Lum
$100
Marissa & Kelley Hall
Thank you, Vincent Van Growers team, for all that you do!
$25
Jennifer Carter
$25
Marissa & Kelley Hall
Thank you, Hip-Peas team, for all that you do!
$25
Anonymous
$25
Austin Walters
$25
Marissa & Kelley Hall
Thank you, Gnomes team, for all that you do!
$25
Marissa & Kelley Hall
Thank you, Gnome Grown Heroes, for all that you do!
$25
Marissa & Kelley Hall
Thank you, Rooted Rebels team, for all that you do!
$25
Marissa & Kelley Hall
Thank you, Rick, for all that you do!
$25
Marissa & Kelley Hall
Thank you, Families Forward Volunteers, for all that you do!
$25
Marissa & Kelley Hall
Thank you, Dirt Dynasty team, for all that you do!
$25
Anonymous
On behalf of Lesli Rivera
$50
Anonymous
$1,000
Chelsea Mc Kinney
Love Families Forward so much!
$25
Amy Zucker
$50
Lindsay Steinmetz
Thank you for the important work you do for our community in need!
$25
Heather Zucker
$36
Nicole Baril
$250
Deborah Suzuki
$25
Janet Lisle
$250
Anonymous
$250
Kristianne Naranjo
$50
Anonymous
$100
Vanessa Hugon
Happy to support this wonderful cause!
$50
Denise Chilcote
$50
Terry And Viva Bailey
On behalf of Caring Path Foundation
$15,000
Debbie & Larry Mountford
$100
Mason Kington
$100
Michael Carrera
Dirt Dynasty Team
$10
Brian Marshall
$25
Liz Romero
On behalf of Christina H
$25
Julissa Chavez
$25
Dennis Wilberg
$500
Barbara Sloate
$100
Susan Shalit
$100
Lidia Klingler
$500
Gregory Mc Quater
$250
Michael Mackey
$100
Tom & Debby Allday
$1,000
Linda Dibong
On behalf of Ghislaine C.
$70
Linda Gottlieb
$100
Sheila & James Tomlin
$750
Shannon L Inouye
$100
Hilda & Steven Rahmann
$200
Linda R Lynch
$100
Munson Family
$500
David Belmer
$50
Michael Farina
$100
Sheila Ina Kahn
$100
Joyce M Spriggs
$150
Marilyn E Armentrout
$50
Mary J Munson
$100
Rachel Strickland And John Gutierrez
$100
Ds & Cl Schafer
$50
Dennis & Adelyn Klarin
$250
Erica Berrios
The Rooted Rebels: I appreciate the hard work and dedication! Great job, proud of you ALL!
$500
William & Sandra Schaal
$1,500
Timothy & Amy Guth
$1,500
Danni Remington Smithson
$500
Paul Bruyn
$25
Bryan And Mary Ann Bentrott
$300
Nancy And Irv Chase
$1,000
Erica Berrios
Way to go Rick! Thank you for dedication to our mission your amazing support is inspiring! We appreciate you!
$50
Mina Saito
Making a donation at the invitation of Christy Cornwall.
$100
Mark Walter
$50
Annette Kennedy
Thanks for all you do for Families Forward Rick.
$100
Michele Silva
$100
Devona Pierce
$200
Michele Silva
$100
Erica Berrios
Awesome customs and great work Vincent Van Growers! Fantastic work bringing in donations.
$50
Michele Silva
$100
Michele Silva
$100
Michele Silva
$100
Michele Silva
$100
Michele Silva
$100
Michele Silva
$100
Maria Conzelman
$50
Michele Silva
$100
Kristin Hoang
Loved by the best - Trish Scarborough!
$100
Alexandra Del Castillo
In honor of Madelynn and her incredible leadership!
$100
Michael Lawler
$250
Erica Berrios
The Hip- peas are on fire!! Way to go, you all rock. Thank you for your hard work and dedication.
$50
Kristin Oliphant
Gnomies, we help them home! ❤️
$100
Erica Berrios
Fantastic work , way to go The Gnomes! Thank you for all your hard work and dedication!!
$50
Alexandra Del Castillo
$50
Michele Walot
$100
Natalie Rodolfo
Go Beatriz!!
$10
Erica Berrios
Go Gnome G Heroes! You guys rock. Let's keep the momentum going!
$50
Cynthia Lakon
$50
Natalie Rodolfo
Go Miles!!!
$10
Natalie Rodolfo
Go Hanna! ❤️ Tina Queen
$10
Erica Berrios
Go Dirt Dinasty team! You rock !!
$50
Jessica Doyle
$50
Jorge Busciglio
$50
Ann Barbour
$100
Cindy O'dell
$250
Edwin Amenta
$25
Paul Bonfanti
$50
Paul Bonfanti
$50
Maria Carrillo
$200
Melani Orr
$400
Erick Chavez
$25
Mark Borgeson
$250
Katrina Waymire
$50
Anonymous
On behalf of Jenny Sanchez
$10
Anonymous
$100
Shirley Serna
$100
Anonymous
$300
Ryan Carr
On behalf of Jenny Sanchez
$3
Deanna Lowrey
$100
Robert Davis
$200
Anonymous
$200
Tim Johnson
$250
Amanda & Michael Benedetti
$100
Nancy Maguire
$50
James & Barbara Reynolds
$200
Katie Szymczak
$250
Brian Swartz
$50
Daffy Charitable Fund
$500
Nancy And Marvin Press
$2,000
Thelma Machado
$518
Joan Whedon
$26
Joyce Tonooka
$259
Anonymous
$2,000
Eric Zucker
On behalf of Law Offices of Eric I. Zucker
$160
Jerry Coleman
$518
Margaret Harbord
$156
Linda Walters
$25
Susan F Anderson
$104
Francine Henigan
$104
Ken Johnson
$100
Roger Hobbs
$518
Marsha Burgess
$208
Tina Kosbab
$21
Cheryl Ohashi
$52
Anonymous
$100
Anonymous
$52
Ruby And Bob Dunek
In memory of Ryan Dunek
$259
Max Horton
$400
Meg And Brian English
$104
Marika Mc Call
$26
Cherry Lai
$11
Brent And Laurie Little
On behalf of Urban Advisory & Building Group, LLC
$1,000
Hilary La Capria
$26
Ellyne Warsaw
$104
Andy Sepulveda
$50
Rick Emerling
$2,000
Karen And Greg Rhoads
$104
Anonymous
$52
Victoria Anthony And Thomas Nass
$518
Anonymous
$208
Violet Kim
$31
Kerri Lazarovitz
$311
Melissa Langer
$208
Madelynn Hirneise
Thank you, Dirt Dynasty, for hunting down donations! You guys are awesome!
$100
Madelynn Hirneise
Rick, thank you for being a true friend of Families Forward and for always supporting me, personally and professionally. So grateful to have worked with you!!
$100
Madelynn Hirneise
Thank you for your strategic leadership and support. YOU ALL ARE AMAZING!!!
$100
Madelynn Hirneise
Families Forward volunteers are the HEART of the organization. Thank you for all of your support and donating your most valuable resource - time!!!
$100
Madelynn Hirneise
The Gnomes are the best!
$100
Madelynn Hirneise
Thank you for being a peas of the Families Forward family!!!
$100
Madelynn Hirneise
Way to go Gnome Grown Heroes! Building the foundation for families to thrive. :)
$100
Madelynn Hirneise
Rooted Rebels you all rock!!
$100
Michael Benedetti
On behalf of American Window Film
$250
Madelynn Hirneise
Gogh Vincent Van Growers! You guys are awesome.
$100
Kim Pierce
$100
Kim Tveter
$20
Karen Chao
$100
Talia M.
$50
Elizabeth Hansburg
$25
Penelope Anton
$50
Natalia Sepulveda
On behalf of Andrea Sepulveda
$25
Talal Ibrahim
$250
Mark Theissen
$100
Albert Cline
$100
Mj Wonder
On behalf of Jenny Sanchez
$2
Miles Crispin
$100
Ana Penaloza
$100
Austin Sanchez
On behalf of Jenny Sanchez
$5
Ana Penaloza
$100
Victoria Knaack
$1,000
Tina Nikkhah
$100
Brooke Maynard
$500
Karen Arce
$100
Judy Spangenberg
$250
Jessica Fujimoto
$50
Patricia Dominguez
The greatest Gnomies to have on a team 🌷
$50
Anonymous
$50
Ghislaine Chavez
Gnomies Rock!!
$100
Jeanne Stone
$518
Lynne Ramsey
$52
Ruth Bruno
On behalf of Ruth Bruno Real Estate Families Forward is an amazing organization that I personally turned to as a single mother in need many years ago. Today, every home I sell gives me the opportunity to give back and support others who may be going through a similar time in their lives. I am so grateful and blessed for the trust my clients place in me with their real estate needs, because together we are making a meaningful impact on the lives of others through the Families Forward program. Thank you! Ruth Bruno Real Estate
$500
Cindy O Dell
$21
Shirin Sepulveda
Andrea Sepulveda
$50
Maureen And Tony Mossbarger
$1,000
Jamie Murphy
$104
Mitaj And Sejal Nathwani
$104
Brooke Maynard
$100
Tara O'connell
$52
James And Lesley Danziger
$100
Marc Comtois
$104
Rhonni Kitchen
$104
Nixie Smith
$100
David & Jill Sheer
$3,109
Rachel Zucker
$100
Louis De Sipio
$100
Tempel Regan Watson
Proud to support you, Vic. Cheering you on!
$25
Andrea Abeleda
$50
Tempel Regan Watson
Proud to support you, Jay. Cheering you on!
$25
Debra Pember
$100
Loretta Goltara
$100
Isaac Zempoalteca
On behalf of Jenny Sanchez
$30
The Gnomes The Gnomes
On behalf of Families Forward
$100
Rick Emerling
$10
Rick Emerling
$10
Rick Emerling
$10
Rick Emerling
$10
Rick Emerling
$10
Jaymie Fisher
$50
Rick Emerling
$10
Rick Emerling
$10
Rick Emerling
$10
Bernice Salcido
$50
Paula Garcia Arsenault
$50
Laura Douglas
$100
Richard And Genny White
$100
Victor Rodriguez
GNOMIES FOR LIFE 🗣️
$25
Irene Barrasa
$100
Elisabeth Pineda Ceja
For Patty- thank you for all that you do!❤️ - Elisabeth (AKA Squirrel Girl) & Richard Ceja
$5
Elisabeth Pineda Ceja
For Jennifer- thank you for all that you do!❤️ -Elisabeth & Richard Ceja
$5
Diane Nowak
$50
Elisabeth Pineda Ceja
For Madison and Chelsea- thank you for all that you do!❤️ -Elisabeth & Richard Ceja
$5
Anonymous
$250
Elisabeth Pineda Ceja
For Tina, thank you for all that you do!❤️ -Elisabeth & Richard Ceja
$5
Howell Newman
$50
Khamilah Brisker
$10
Alejandro Chavez
$50
Anonymous
$100
Anonymous
$100
Haley Smith
Jennifer Bravo
$50
Gary Barton
$25
Donna Waldfogel
$500
Mary Earl Spencer
$500
Leslie Goetz
$250
Heidi Mitchell
$500
Amber Sepulveda
$25
Roni Grant
$50
Christy Cornwall
So thrilled to be part of this amazing team at Families Forward!!
$100
Anonymous
$100
Amanda Rolle
$50
Kimberly Burnside
Thank you for all you do Christy Cornwall- you make the world a better place !
$100
Alison Holman
$549
Anonymous
$10
Martina Bueno
$40
Anonymous
$150
Khalil Ibrahim
$1,500
Kay Walker
$100
Aziz Ibrahim
$500
Kevin Mc Bride
$250
Ryan Olsen
Thank you for all you do!
$250
Anonymous
$50
Alison Berens
$100
Alice Apkarian
$2,000
Anonymous
In memory of Jay Cooper
$10,000
Jill Ahlquist
$50
Brenda Deeley
$100
Sabrina La Rocca
$100
Aziz Ibrahim
$500
Anonymous
$50
Alysia Waite
Keep up the good work Rick! 🙏🏼 praying these funds would bless a family in need!
$50
Michael Buntzen
$300
Tsuey Fen Chuang
$250
Catherine Benamou
$50
Mark Bregman
$100
Katie Szymczak
$1
Katie Szymczak
$1
Anonymous
$50