The leading causes of poverty in Orange County are a lack of affordable housing and sustainable employment. Many families have lost their jobs, their homes, and have found themselves spiraling into poverty. With increasingly high unemployment rates and Orange County having one of the most expensive rental markets in the nation, the gap between income and affordable permanent housing continues to widen. A minimum wage worker has to work 125 hours a week to afford a one-bedroom apartment.
Since 2008, the Illumination Foundation has served over 350 homeless families. Their highly effective programs focus on housing, mental health, case management, life skills, financial literacy, workforce development, and much more to reduce the impacts of homelessness. In addition, the Illumination Foundation manages the discharge of homeless patients from hospitals to help them successfully transition back into the community by providing them with medical oversight and temporary housing to help them fully recuperate from their illness or injury.
The Pacific Life Foundation has been a proud supporter of the Illumination Foundations since its inception. To date, $655,000 in contributions has helped the nonprofit in numerous ways, including underwriting critical program and office operations, as well as rent subsidies for clients.
In 2009, the Illumination Foundation was awarded the Pacific Life Foundation's Walter B. Gerken Community Service Award which recognizes outstanding nonprofits and includes a grant of $25,000.
For the last four years, the Pacific Life Good Guys have been actively involved with the Illumination Foundation, volunteering at various fundraisers, special events, and activities benefitting our homeless families.
To learn more about the successes Illumination Foundation is having with the homeless population of Orange County, visit them at http://www.ifhomeless.org/