SHIP

What We Are: The SHIP is an ecumenical venture of volunteers from approximately 19 different churches which provides a four month residential program designed for permanent self-sufficiency.  The program is designed to handle up to 8 guests at a time.  Not merely an emergency shelter, the SHIP provides job search training assistance, preparation of resumes, individual voice-mail boxes and an address to use for job applications. In addition SHIP provides toiletries, clothing and shoes, glasses, haircuts, laundry, and a bus pass for the first 30 days in the program. Food for preparation of breakfast and sack-lunches, hot family-style dinners, shelter including a wooden platform bed with closet, as well as required training in job search skills, budgeting, personal communications skills and housing search skills. Although the majority of our volunteers are from churches, there is no religious affiliation nor are there any religious requirements for guests. However, this program evolved and revolves around the Church and the love for God. Our host congregations value the program as a remarkable vehicle for community outreach.

Who We Serve: The SHIP serves homeless individuals who are capable of obtaining the required permanent, full-time employment within 30 days.  Guests must be substance-free for at least 30 days prior to admission into the SHIP.   They must also be capable of completing daily job search requirements, mandatory classes in budgeting (and prepare weekly and monthly budgets throughout the program) and conform to mandatory curfews and other rules designed to ensure safety and cooperation aboard the SHIP.  Guests share chores to maintain the facility.  (SHIP will not accept applicants with criminal records of violence, weapons, or abuse of minors.)  This is a highly structured, “tough love” program that is not appropriate for all homeless individuals.  Our goal is not to care for our guests, but to train them to care for themselves and to provide for them during a four-month transition period.

Who We Are:  SHIP is an independent arm of American Family Housing, a non-profit housing provider located in Midway City.  SHIP itself receives no government funding.  We have no paid staff.  SHIP is funded solely by program fundraising and private donations that go directly to pay for guest service expenses.

Where:  Churches located in West Orange County have donated facilities to host the program on a rotating basis in Huntington Beach, Westminster, Garden Grove, Fountain Valley, Los Alamitos, Anaheim, and Costa Mesa.

Our Experience: SHIP first opened its doors on December 18, 1994. Through December 31, 2007, SHIP had provided a total of over 19,340 nights of shelter and service to over 495 guests.  Of these approximately 70% left the program with full-time (40 hours per week) permanent employment. More importantly, 24% of our guests (representing 60% of our nights of shelter and service) either left the program with full-time employment and their own housing or achieved both of these shortly after leaving the SHIP.