About South County Outreach
Guided by the values of respect and dignity, South County Outreach’s mission is to prevent hunger and homelessness by helping people help themselves.
South County Outreach started out simply – providing food out of the back of Ray Havert’s insurance office in 1989. Realizing this was not enough, the community stepped up with many hours of volunteer service and financial donations.
More than 30 years later, food shelter and dignity toward our neediest neighbors remains at the core of our work.
We all need a little help sometimes. When “life” happens, no one should feel bad or singled out for benefitting from social services. We are taking steps to remove the stigma of accessing “free food” by changing the shopping experience, focusing on customer service, and offering diverse solutions to combating food and housing insecurity.
Hunger doesn’t exist alone, which is why we aim to connect people to resources beyond food on their tables. This can include housing support, job training, financial education, or referrals to services SCO does not provide.
There are many reasons turn to South County Outreach: a financial setback or household dispute, or release from institution with no resources to reintegrate.
The specific causes of the crisis may vary but the result is the same. Without money for rent, or help to keep the lights on, housing stabilization is lost. But this is not the picture many have of homelessness. The stereotype of the addict living under the freeway is the exception more than the reality in Orange County.
What We Do
South County Outreach provides critical support to people during times of financial hardship and to vulnerable, low-income families and individuals experiencing poverty.
At South County Outreach, this includes offering a dignified shopping experience in our food pantries, utilities and rental support, and educational guidance take steps toward stability.
How We Help
At South County Outreach, we work to prevent vulnerable families and individuals from falling through the cracks by providing crucial support before they hit rock bottom. Our services are tailored to assist low-income residents in Orange County, offering a lifeline when it’s needed most. We provide comprehensive help through cash assistance, food support, and housing solutions, ensuring that those in need have the resources to stabilize their lives. By addressing these basic needs, we empower our clients to regain control and move toward a more secure future.
For more information about South County Outreach, visit our FAQ page.
South County Outreach is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization governed by a board of directors. Our tax ID is: 33-0330233.
