What We Do

Foothill Family Shelter has been providing housing and hope since 1984.

Our Mission

The mission of Foothill Family Shelter is to assure families a future by helping them acquire skills that will enable them to maintain a home, job and at the same time develop the necessary self-esteem to function as a successful stable family.

Welcome to Foothill Family Shelter, where we believe in providing more than just housing– we offer hope, support, and a sense of community to homeless families in need. We're thrilled to introduce you to our comprehensive Housing Program, Community Help Desk, family enrichment programs, and holiday events that contribute to our impact .

“Foothill Family Shelter gave me and my family a new start. I saved money, budgeted, built up my credit, and taught my kids the importance of education. The Housing Program has blessed me in many ways and taught me so many lessons in life. I honestly do not know where I’d be if I hadn’t found them. Foothill Family Shelter changed my life.”

— Berenice, Foothill Family Shelter Housing Program graduate

Housing Program:

Our Housing Program aims to provide stable and secure accommodation for families experiencing homelessness, offering a safe haven where they can rebuild their lives.

Our program is designed with a comprehensive approach, structured into three distinct phases: the 120-Day Program, the 1-Year Program, and the Extended Program. Each phase is strategically crafted with the ultimate goal of transitioning families from homelessness to self-sufficiency. Throughout their journey with us, families receive not only housing assistance but also comprehensive support services aimed at addressing their unique needs and empowering them to thrive independently. At Foothill Family Shelter, we believe in the power of stability and guidance to create lasting positive change in the lives of those we serve. Rooted in the belief of offering a hand-up, not a hand-out, we equip clients with tools and resources for success, building on 37 years of experience and continual evolution. Our accountability-based approach ensures clarity for clients, who must commit to the program's expectations. At Foothill Family Shelter, we provide more than shelter; we offer pathways to lasting positive change, empowering families to thrive today and in the future.

Community Help Desk:

We extend our mission beyond providing housing to offering essential support through our Community Help Desk, where we strive to address the multifaceted needs of homeless and low-income individuals by providing immediate assistance, guidance, and resources to navigate their journey towards stability and self-sufficiency.

Our Help Desk is a vital resource tailored to aid homeless and low-income individuals with necessities such as food, clothing, diapers, hygiene products, and referrals to supportive services. On average, we extend our assistance to over 210 families and 9,600 individuals annually through our Help Desk alone, ensuring that those in need receive tangible support and access to vital resources. At Foothill Family Shelter, we are committed to serving our community with compassion and dedication, providing much-needed resources to the most vulnerable families in our community.

Family Enrichment Programs:

In addition to housing and community support, we're proud to offer enriching programs for children aimed at nurturing their growth and development. Through various activities and educational initiatives, we strive to create a positive and stimulating environment where children can thrive despite the challenges they may face. We recognize that children are the heart of every family, and investing in their well-being is paramount to breaking the cycle of homelessness. That's why we are proud to offer a comprehensive array of children's enrichment programs as an integral component of our housing initiative. By offering educational, recreational, and cultural opportunities, we empower children to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally, regardless of their housing situation. These programs play a vital role in the lives of the families we serve, offering a sense of stability, continuity, and hope during times of transition and uncertainty. Beyond just providing a roof over their heads, we are committed to fostering an environment where children can dream, learn, and grow to their fullest potential.

  • L.E.A.R.N

    L.E.A.R.N (Life-skills, Education, Attitude, Resources and Nutrition) was designed to bring community leaders and professionals together with our clients to expand their knowledge. Facilitators prepare and present information to our clients to help them succeed. We work with corporate partners and individuals to build a diverse speaker line-up, bringing as much value to our clients as possible.

  • School on Wheels Tutoring

    Empowering Education through On-Site Tutoring in Partnership with School on Wheels. School on Wheels, a dedicated nonprofit organization, provides invaluable free tutoring and mentoring services to school-aged children (K-12) facing homelessness. Through our collaborative efforts, children not only enhance their study skills but also significantly improve their academic standing, paving the way for a brighter future.

  • Birthday in a Box

    Parents are provided with thoughtfully curated boxes containing age-appropriate gifts tailored to their children on their birthday, complemented by essential party supplies. This comprehensive support enables families to joyfully celebrate birthdays without the burden of financial strain, fostering cherished memories while promoting financial stability.

Children’s Activities

Throughout the year, we offer enriching experiences at the Shelter aimed at nurturing social skills and fostering cherished memories that will last a lifetime for the children we serve. These transformative events are made possible through the unwavering generosity of our community's donors and compassionate individuals. Among the array of special activities tailored for children are:

  • Spring Party

    Our spring party offers a delightful experience for children, featuring personalized Easter baskets and engaging arts and crafts activities. Children can express their creativity while enjoying the festive atmosphere, creating lasting memories with friends and family. It's a wonderful opportunity for children to embrace the spirit of the season and celebrate in a fun-filled environment.

  • Christmas in July

    Our program is 120 days long and not all families stay with us during the holidays. For this reason, we host an event called "Christmas in July" every year in July to celebrate and bring all the joy that comes with the holidays. During the event, children receive Christmas presents and enjoy activities like Christmas cookie decorating and holiday crafts.

  • Quakes Family Baseball Night

    Families go to LoanMart field to watch the Quakes play and immerse themelves in the excitement of a live baseball game, cheering on the Quakes and reveling in the electric atmosphere of America's favorite pastime. From the crack of the bat to the roar of the crowd, it's an evening packed with thrilling moments and memories that will last a lifetime!

  • Back to School Party

    As summer draws to a close and a new school year approaches, our families come together for one final summer celebration. Each child is gifted with a brand-new backpack, thoughtfully packed with essential school supplies, ensuring they're equipped for success as they embark on their academic journey. It's a heartwarming occasion where we bid farewell to summer and eagerly anticipate the adventures and learning opportunities that lie ahead.

  • Fall Festival

    Families experience the magic of fall at our Fall Festival! Children eagerly select their own pumpkins, transforming them into works of art with an array of colorful decorations. Amidst the rustling leaves and crisp autumn air, they also partake in a medley of fall-themed crafts and activities, fostering creativity and cherished memories that last well beyond the season.

  • Thanksgiving Feast

    In November, our families savor the warmth of the season with our cherished Thanksgiving tradition: a delectable, homemade feast shared among our residents. From savory turkey to comforting sides and decadent desserts, every dish is crafted with love and care, creating a memorable culinary experience. Gather together for a celebration of gratitude, where the bonds of friendship are strengthened and joy fills the air.

  • Breakfast with Santa

    Families embrace Christmas cheer by being treated to a jolly visit from Santa Claus himself, delighting in the joy and wonder of the season. They also indulge in a scrumptious breakfast spread, capture cherished moments with family portraits, and partake in a variety of merry holiday activities that promise laughter and memories to last a lifetime.

Annual Thanksgiving Basket Giveaway:

Our annual Thanksgiving basket initiative stands as a testament to the power of community, compassion, and generosity in bringing hope and nourishment to our neighbors facing hardship.

For many families in our community, the holiday season can be a time of heightened financial strain, making it difficult to provide even the most basic necessities, let alone a festive meal to share with loved ones. That's why our Thanksgiving basket program holds such immense significance—it offers a beacon of hope and support to those who may be struggling to make ends meet.

Through the collective efforts of volunteers, donors, and community partners, we assemble and distribute Thanksgiving baskets filled with all the essential ingredients for a traditional holiday feast. Each basket is carefully curated to provide not only sustenance but also a sense of warmth, abundance, and belonging.

But the impact of these baskets extends far beyond the contents of their baskets. They serve as a symbol of solidarity and care, reminding recipients that they are valued members of our community deserving of love and support. In a world often marked by uncertainty and division, the act of coming together to share in the spirit of Thanksgiving reaffirms our shared humanity and interconnectedness.

Our annual Thanksgiving Basket Giveaway fosters a spirit of giving and empathy among those who contribute, reminding us all of the profound difference we can make when we extend a hand to those in need. It is a tangible expression of gratitude for the blessings we have been fortunate enough to receive, and a commitment to paying it forward to those who may be less fortunate.

Christmas Grant-a-Wish Program:

Our Christmas Grant-a-Wish Program is a beacon of hope and happiness for the children in our Housing Program- it is a way for us to come together as a community and ensure that every child has something special to look forward to on Christmas morning.

Through the generosity of donors and community partners, we are able to fulfill the wishes and dreams of the children in our Housing Program. Whether it's a beloved toy, a warm winter coat, or a cherished book, each gift is carefully selected to bring joy and delight to its recipient. More than just material possessions, these gifts represent a message of love, compassion, and belonging. Granting Christmas wishes instills hope in families facing adversity, reminding them that brighter days lie ahead and that there are people who genuinely care about their well-being.