Build Futures

Build Futures is a nonprofit organization dedicated to taking homeless youth ages 18 to 24 off the streets of Orange County and providing them with the resources necessary to reach self sufficiency.

We begin by providing them with stable housing and one-on-one support.
We use a structured, step-by-step program called Steps to Success which is tailored to each youth and connects them to services and resources needed to obtain and maintain long term independence.
Our step by step approach includes providing:
Stable housing
Basic necessities, transportation and a phone
Connection to social services
Funds for a CA ID and path to obtain a social security card
Providing medical, mental health and legal resources
Job readiness training and programs
Plan for obtaining a high school diploma, GED and/or Academic Vocational training
Assistance with creating a budget
Most importantly we provide them with full time support and guidance overcoming obstacles and achieving self-sufficiency.
At Build Futures, we work collaboratively with existing nonprofits, county services, housing providers, faith-based organizations, job programs, educational institutions and volunteers to close the gap in the service continuum.
There are three main reasons:
Some have turned to the street rather than face sexual, physical or emotional abuse at home.
Others are thrown out of their homes.
Still others come from homeless families or a background of chronic homelessness.
Of the 76 kids we took off the street last year, 80% were 18 to 21 years old and the majority of them were women.