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, couldn't pay the rent, was evicted and even though I have another job, I cannot get the money together to pay the move-in costs to housing and I am a substance abuser and and lost everything. My family and friends want nothing more to do with me. Sadly, 14 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).

In 1989, SPIN incorporated and in 1990 launched two programs that address these on-going needs: 1) The Guaranteed Apartment Payment Program which provides move-in costs to permanent housing to families with children exiting long-term shelter programs and 2) the Substance Abuse Recovery Program which provides rent for recovery for one month while the individual is seeking minimum wage employment in order to pay future rent and invest in their own recovery.

The foundation of both programs is case management that lasts from 18 months to two years and the support services available to our clients. At this time, support services include assistance with childcare costs related to employment or job training, job development and training, counseling, monthly workshops, budget monitoring and credit clean-up, car repairs necessary for employment, bus coupons, emergency medical and dental assistance, food, emergency assistance for utility assistance, etc.

SPIN's third program is based on the needs of the homeless living on the street and provides the most basic necessities of life.

Each week volunteers shop for food and prepare and deliver meals to the homeless living on the streets. Warm clothing, hygiene items, blankets, and referrals for shelter and services are also distributed each week.

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. In 2005, 86% were successful and in 2004, 86%.

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.