Human Options

Human Options' residential services offer a continuum of care which encompasses the 24 hour crisis hotline, 45 day emergency shelter (with on-site 90 day Family Healing Center), and transitional housing programs - both 6-month and longer term. Our clients are adult and child victims of domestic violence of all ages, ethnicities, orientations, and come from all over Orange County. They are considered homeless as they are fleeing abuse in their home, typically have had severe trauma experiences, usually have minimal income and are striving to achieve safety and emotional and financial self-sufficiency. Support is also provided to survivors who may be able to sustain permanent housing but need stability assistance and access to a supportive community. Second Step provides housing for up to 6 months, offers counseling, case management, legal advocacy, parenting and life skills education as well as assistance with permanent housing for up to 14 families at a time. Vocational training and employment assistance are key program activities designed to help clients reach economic self-sufficiency. Follow up services are offered to program graduates for a 6 month period after second step program completion. Third step is an extended transitional housing program providing low-cost rents for up to one year, with case management and counseling as needed for six low income families.

Prevention Education provides presentations for students in middle school, high school, and college or universities, to raise awareness of relationship and teen dating violence and healthy relationships. The program also provides training for a steadily growing number of healthcare providers, law enforcement agencies, human resource professionals, local companies, faith-based groups, hairdressers, and social service agencies in order to equip them with the knowledge and resources to be effective first responders when someone discloses abuse. Activating a health response by community members when it comes to domestic violence vastly expands the safety net for abuse victims.

Community Based Services - Community Based Services programs provide a safety net and support services to individuals who are not ready to enter a residential program but are trying to break the cycle of violence. Services are provided at Family Resource Centers located in Santa Ana, Newport-Mesa, Westminster, Huntington Beach and Garden Grove and the Safe Options for Seniors Program based in the administrative office in Irvine and in the Orange County Family Justice Center. The programs provide services for adult and child victims of domestic violence, as well as family members when appropriate. Services include, but are not limited to, legal advocacy, individual, family and children's counseling, case management, personal empowerment programs, teen dating violence prevention and senior advocacy. All Community Based Services locations accept walk-ins.