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Rotary Club of Fullerton’s $1,500 Grant Empowers HOPE Center’s Homeless Outreach Efforts
The Rotary Club of Fullerton awarded $1,500 to the HOPE Center for homeless outreach services through the Community Investment Awards program. Funds were used to purchase bus passes so access to necessary resources such as healthcare facilities and other support services is more accessible.
Thank you Joe Lins, who is the president of the Rotary Club of Fullerton and owner of Century 21 Discovery in Fullerton, for sponsoring the HOPE Center for this grant.
About The Rotary Club
The Rotary Club of Fullerton was established more than 100 years ago to provide service to our community. Today, the group of local business and community leaders are dedicated to improving the community and the world in which we live.
Community Investment Awards are distributed by the Fullerton Rotary Club Foundation (established as a 501 (c) 3 non-profit) and funded by donations of individual Rotarians designated for this fund. Grants of $1,500 are awarded to organizations. The Rotary focus is in the areas of youth (up to age 24), seniors and the community.
Last year, collectively, they awarded more than $33,000 through the Community Investment Awards program.
From Homelessness to Hope: Vernal’s Journey to Permanent Housing in Buena Park
HOPE Center met Vernal in the city of Buena Park just a few short months ago.
Vernal was staying on the streets of Buena Park after leaving Project Homekey due to his mental health. HOPE Center, along with the Fullerton Police Department, Buena Park Police Department, Orange County Health Care Agency’s Outreach and Engagement unit (HCA O&E), and Buena Park Outreach were able to get Vernal into the Buena Park Navigation Center for shelter and services.
During his time at the center, he was offered housing at a location in Buena Park. However, soon after, he left the shelter and was unable to be located.
The collaborating agencies were able to locate Vernal and resume working with him. He was temporarily placed in a motel while HOPE Center and Buena Park Outreach located another shelter.
Shelter was finally located for Vernal, and Buena Park Outreach gave him a ride to the Friendship Shelter. The housing authority was notified and asked to extend his application deadline for his housing opportunity, which he was granted.
Currently, Vernal is working with the Friendship Shelter and HCA O&E to complete the his application for his housing.
Staff Spotlight – Angel Palencia
Angel Palencia is a dedicated professional with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration from California State University, Dominguez Hills. With a passion for making a difference in the community, Angel joined the HOPE Center of Orange County in February 2023 as an Outreach Coordinator. With over four years of valuable experience in both the public and nonprofit sectors, Angel excels in case management and outreach services in North Orange County.
Outside of work, Angel enjoys staying active and engaged with the local community, embodying the spirit of HOPE Center’s mission to empower and uplift those in need.
