Meet Iris: From Couch Surfing to Home Sweet Home

Jul 19, 2022

StandUp for Kids – Orange County 

Meet one of our recently housed youth, Iris! She had been struggling with housing insecurity, couch surfing (sleeping on friend’s couches), while trying to find a place to rent. She is currently attending college and working, so finding stable housing was an urgent need. Luckily, one of Iris’ friends told her about StandUp for Kids, and we were able to connect with her!

After completing her intake, Iris committed to our JTS (Journey to Self-Sufficiency) Program. This program entails attending weekly meetings and meeting with her mentor and case manager.

Iris’ case manager also got her into our Rapid Re-housing Program. She focused on looking for units available to rent. One of our case managers found a potential unit and sent it to Iris to apply for. She and her boyfriend got approved for it! They signed the lease on June 1st, 2022, and finally had a place she could call home. 

Iris is still active in our JTS Program and WARP (Workforce Activation & Readiness Program). Through WARP, she is currently working with one of our partner businesses as a paid intern with the potential of full-time employment when the internship ends. Her boyfriend works full-time, and they have a cat and a dog. 

Because of supporters like you, Iris received housing, basic furnishings, internship opportunities, groceries, bus passes, and mentoring.