FOCUS
FOCUS: “Fellowship of Orthodox Christians United to Serve”
Mission:
This is a non-profit organization that serves the homeless population in Orange County, by providing food, shelter, jobs and clothing.
As our Lord Jesus Christ taught us,” I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; 36 I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.” Matthew 25:34-36
Values:
Christ Centered: “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men,” (Col.3:17,23)
Mercy: Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little.” (Luke 7:47)
[Soft Break]Humility: Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. (Phil. 2:3) [Soft Break]
Financial Stewardship: ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. (Matthew 25:23) As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. (1Peter 4:10)
Statistics on Homelessness and Poverty in Orange County
Orange County, CA: Second highest Housing Wage Level in U.S. (hourly wages to afford housing)
- 21,000 + homeless people live in Orange County
22,000 Orange County public school students live in unstable housing conditions, according to criteria of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act
Breakdown
– 20,549 live in doubled-tripled up housing
-892 live in motels
-441 live in shelters
-43 live in unsheltered surroundings (parks, campgrounds)
Shortage of shelter beds and many with high-entry qualifications, leave average homeless people on the streets