“During one 90-day period, I lost my parents, my daughter was born with a disability and I found out my business partner had embezzled from me,” states David Morin. “That sent me into a tailspin,” he says. “Over the next few years, I lost my marriage, went bankrupt, had a nervous breakdown, and ended up homeless.” He continues, “I was standing there with a gun to my head, about to commit suicide when a friend walked into the room and stopped me.”

The good news is someone told David about the Mission. As shocked as he was to be homeless, he was more amazed by “how well the Mission was run, how much they loved people and how lives like mine were changing.” He immediately put all his business and organizational skills to use to help other people. He now has the routine for taking care of overnight guests down to a science — from a diagram for the most efficient cot layout, to systems to wash and hand out clean clothes daily.

“This is giving me some purpose. Some reason to use my skills,” he claims. “Today I have a great relationship with my ex-wife, and my daughter is doing well. I don’t know what’s coming next, but I’m healing, and getting ready to rebuild. Thank you.”

Springtime is such a great time to get new clothes! A mother and businesswoman, who has a real heart for the struggles of the women and children of the House of Hope, pooled together her connections in the business world to bring brand new designer clothes to the children. Heather Fish, of Pearl Swimwear, contacted several top vendors asking if they would join her for a Pre-Easter shower for these children who rarely have new clothes to wear. Heather requested the sizes and ages of each child and what style of clothes they preferred. Then on Saturday, March 24, she arrived with packages of brand name clothing for the "Little Darlings", as well as gifts for each mom!

In addition to her own designs, Heather brought these vendors to her “Little Darlings” party: Quiksilver/Roxy, Kingsley, Haute Boyz, Little Lubbaloo, Torrid, Amadeo Decada, Twisted Silver, Pressed Ink and Sprinkles Cupcakes.

The HOH mothers and children were delighted for the brand new clothes and for the heart which Heather and her contributing vendors have for these families.

Your gift will be DOUBLED by a Matching Grant until June 30.
Every life we touch impacts 15 others.
When you break the cycle of homelessness, you stop future generations of homelessness.
Dozens of people may be spared the trauma of crime when former addicts no longer need to steal to support their habits.
Every $1 we spend saves the state $7 (in police response, ER services, etc.)
A chance to offer a changed-life that may inspire hundreds of people.
Once-homeless people become tax-paying contributors instead of a drain on the system.
You may get a tax break for your generosity.
Your example will have an impact on others — your children, your church, other donors.
Your life will be blessed in some way — you can’t out-give God!

The Wells Fargo Foundation has acted as a powerhouse advocate for Orange County Rescue Mission programs since 1999. This year, they have given $20,000 (their largest gift to date) so we can finish the Village of Hope Children’s Playground. Beyond their financial support, we are grateful for the time and energy Wells Fargo Vice President, Alan Epperson, contributes on our Village of Hope construction board. Wells Fargo has been a trustworthy banker and community partner with us.

Thank you, Wells Fargo!

The stories in this newsletter, month after month, tell of the most amazing miracles God performs with your gifts — transformed lives! Jessica’s story at the top shows how drug use and hopelessness pass from generation to generation. She started at age eight. When her son was age eight, she saw him sliding down the same path — but didn’t know how to stop it. Thanks to your generosity, we were able to step in and help. Your gifts not only helped her, they broke the cycle for her children.

When we free one generation of children, we free their children and future generations from that destructive path. Yes, God multiplies the effects of all your giving — money, time, talent, love — far beyond what we can imagine. That really is the story of what we do here. A helping hand, a hot meal, a new path, a second chance, a spiritual rebirth. God has called us to bring love and practical help to the least, the last and the lost. We simply do our part and leave the results to Him. It just amazes me to watch how God blesses all the parties involved!

Thank you for all you do. Together we are making an immediate and eternal difference in the lives of so many —one life after another. God bless you!

In His service,

P.S. — God really is multiplying your gifts. Every gift you make to the Mission by June 30 will be doubled — up to $50,000!

On Thursday, May 3, Traditional Jewelers owners, Marion and Lula Halfacre, joined with Village of Hope supporters, Annette Oltmans and Robin McMonigle, to present an evening of glamorous jewelry shopping for invited guests at their Fashion Island store. This evening was set aside so that guests would be able to shop for Mother’s Day, Father's Day and graduation, while knowing that a percentage of the sales would be benefiting the Village of Hope.

It was a beautiful evening and everyone was so gracious and interested in the work of OCRM. As a result of the evening’s special opening, Traditional Jewelers generously donated $20,000 to the work of the Village of Hope!

Many thanks to the Halfacres, Traditional Jewelers, Robin McMonigle and Annette Oltmans for caring to share this ministry with their friends. Thank you, also, to all who took advantage of the shopping which, in turn, contributed to the well-being of the OCRM clients.

Mariners Church has adopted the Orange County Rescue Mission's House of Hope as an ongoing beneficiary of its support. In December, volunteers donated new mattresses; they visit once a month to provide praise and worship music and dessert for the residents. Most recently, in April, these volunteers graciously bedecked the House of Hope dining room with stunning new tables and chairs (pictured right) for the ladies and their children to enjoy.

We are grateful beyond words for this consistent display of care for the Least, the Last and the Lost at the House of Hope. Thank you, and God bless you!

Have you ever seen a homeless person standing on the street corner with a sign saying “Will work for food?” What should you do? Should you give them money? Should you buy them food? These options provide only temporary relief, but at the Orange County Rescue Mission, we want to suggest a way that you can make a permanent difference in homeless people's lives:

Refer them to us!

We have downloadable and printable cards with the services we offer and a map to our emergency/transitional facility in Santa Ana. Click here to download the cards in PDF format. Print them out, keep them in your car and hand them out to the homeless people you encounter.