About SPIN

SPIN was founded in 1987 by Sam Boyce and six friends who wanted to help the homeless of Orange County. Each week they passed out food and asked questions trying to determine what had brought these families and individuals to these circumstances. Time and time again, the volunteers received the same responses: "I lost my job and couldn't pay the rent, so I was evicted." Or, "Even though I have a job, I cannot get the money together to pay the move-in costs for housing." Or, "I am a substance abuser and lost everything. My family and friends want nothing more to do with me." Sadly, 20 years later, the need for access to permanent housing and substance abuse treatment remain the two greatest needs (County of Orange, Needs Assessment, May 2001).

Why SPIN?

SPIN's programs work! SPIN is committed to giving people a hand-up, not a hand-out. SPIN is known for the quality of its programs and the outstanding success rate it has achieved with its clients. In the year 2006, 85% of the clients were successful in becoming self-sufficient and independent of all public support.

SPIN is audited each year by an independent auditor, has had no recommendations in the Management Letter, and has received the highest points from funders who have reviewed it. In addition, because SPIN is the recipient of United Way grants, our annual audits are also reviewed by three CPA's from local firms in this area.

Major Funding Sources

• Hud SuperNOFA
• Hoag Family Foundation
• Croul Family Foundation
• Irvine Health Foundation
• County of Orange, CDBG grant
• Wells Fargo Foundation
• Allergan Foundation
• Pacificare Foundation
• Ceres Foundation