Friends Indeed to Friends In Need!

Did you know:

·         Orange County has the third largest number of people living in poverty in the state?

·         Hunger and food insecurity is routinely experienced by approximately 33.8% of our population?

·         The effect of food insecurity on our community is pervasive and far reaching; 42% of those experiencing hunger are children?

·         Orange country is the fourth most expensive county in the nation based on the income required to rent a 2-bedroom apartment?

·         There are over 35,000 homeless individuals in the O/C and has the 2^nd highest rate of homelessness per capita in the nation (after Detroit, MI).

·         Families with children account for 70% of the homeless in the county and most of these are single parent households.

John Collins, 5 time Mayor of Fountain Valley, current member of the City Council and President of Southwest Community Center

Today we heard from John Collins.  John’s an impressive guy.  He’s been mayor of Fountain Valley 5 times and now serves on the city council.  But he’s also the Board President of the Southwest Community Center (SWCC) in Santa Ana, the organization he came to tell us about, and one that works to bring real help to those trapped in hunger, proverty and homelessness – those you may have not even known about.  Here's how they help:

·         Last year they provided 120,000 hot meals to those in need

·         They have a new indoor dining room that seats 80 to 100

·         They have a homeless Hygiene Center with private indoor restrooms and showers, laundry facilities and service, and hygiene and grooming services

·         They provide assessment and referral services to improve the physical and mental health of those in need – family counseling to ensure stability, and legal and financial referral counseling to help them get back on their feet.

·         They provide employment assistance – researching employment opportunities, resume prep, training to complete benefit and employment applications, and help them sharpen their interviewing and communications skills.

In late 2009, their old facility was ravaged by fire, a tragedy that took much of their food and all the Christmas Presents they'd gathered to brighten Christmas for those who counted on them.  After a rather desperate prayer, though, God responded.   And in 2010 they built a new facility that took them from about 1200 sq ft to 4000 sq ft, every inch of it committed to helping those who ask for it.

            If you or your organization would like to help, as we here at Fountain Valley Rotary do, contact SWCC through their website:  http://www.swcommunitycenter.org/ or drop by their new facility at 1601 W. 2^nd Street, Santa Ana, CA  92703 and introduce yourself.