IGNITING SOCIAL CHANGE
For 45 years, Human Options has worked to break the cycle of relationship violence, supporting survivors in moments of crisis and helping build the stability needed for what comes next. This work is about more than safety. It is about creating a future where every person and family can live free from fear.
OUR HISTORY
What began in 1981 as a single hotline has grown into one of Orange County’s most comprehensive support systems for survivors and families, growing from emergency response to long-term solutions.
OUR MISSION
我们通过教育橙县认识到关系暴力是一个威胁到每个人的问题，为受虐待影响的人代言，为受害者提供一个安全的场所，并在幸存者的康复之旅中增强他们的能力，从而点燃社会变革的火花。
OUR VISION
我们致力于实现这样一个未来：橙县的每个人和每个家庭都能体验到安全、健康的人际关系，过上没有恐惧的生活。
45 YEARS OF IMPACT
Progress does not happen all at once. From a small grassroots effort to a county-wide network of support, our work has evolved to meet the changing realities of relationship violence and the people impacted by it.
TODAY
A FULL CONTINUUM OF CARE REACHES THOUSANDS EACH YEAR.
Human Options now delivers comprehensive, survivor-centered support from immediate safety to long-term independence while advancing prevention as a public health priority. Through innovation, partnerships, and survivor-led initiatives, the work continues to expand across every corner of Orange County.
2010s
A COUNTYWIDE SYSTEM OF CARE TAKES SHAPE.
Human Options became part of a broader, more connected system of support across Orange County, now participating in 8 Family Resource Centers and 2 Family Justice Centers. At the same time, housing innovation accelerated helping reduce the path to permanent housing from 12 months to as little as 3, and expanding prevention efforts to reach thousands of young people each year.
2000s
SUPPORT MOVES INTO THE COMMUNITY. ACCESS GROWS.
Support expanded beyond shelter walls and into the community. Walk-in centers and family resource hubs made services more accessible, meeting survivors where they are. Over time, this approach proved its impact: studies found that 90% of clients remained violence-free one year or more after completing residential programs, reinforcing the importance of long-term, connected care.
1990s
HOUSING EXPANDS. LONG-TERM SUPPORT TAKES SHAPE.
As the demand grew, so did the response. In 1993, Human Options opened Orange County’s first transitional housing program, a 16-unit model funded by a $1.3 million HUD grant. By 1996, its emergency shelter had expanded from 4 families to 15 families, with stays extended up to 60 days when more time for healing was needed.
1984
THE FIRST SAFEHOUSE OPENS. PREVENTION BEGINS.
Human Options expanded its early response, offering safe refuge to families in need while laying the groundwork for long-term change. The organization launched Orange County’s first prevention education program, reaching students early and beginning the work of breaking the cycle before it starts.
1981
A HOTLINE LAUNCHES. SUPPORT BEGINS.
Recognizing a hidden crisis in Orange County, a group of four women launched a 24-hour hotline and opened a four-bedroom safe house for women and children facing relationship violence. For the first time, there was a place to turn, creating safety and support where none had existed before.
TOWARD 50 years AND BEYOND
The future of our mission is more than the immediate response to acute danger caused by relationship violence. It encompasses sustained prevention efforts, uplifting survivor stories, and ensuring access to essential resources and comprehensive support across our community.
We recognize our role in a survivor’s journey is more than the acute response to relationship violence. It is about ongoing prevention, support, and access to crucial resources.
We are investing in:
- Early education and prevention
- Survivor-informed program design
- Partnerships that expand access to care across our community
- Creating long-term solutions that support stability and independence
- Supporting survivors as they transform into leaders
Because lasting change requires more than intervention. It requires rethinking how systems support people at every stage.
HUMAN- CENTERED DESIGN
The people closest to the experience should help shape the solution. We design our programs in partnership with survivors grounded in real needs, lived experiences, and what it takes to move forward safely.
Our approach allows us to:
- Respond more effectively to individual needs
- Remove barriers to access
- Continuously evolve how support is delivered
- Develop solutions that support stability and independence
- Support survivors as they transform into leaders
DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE ACCREDITED
Human Options is a recognized agency through the Department of Justice, with accredited representatives who can provide support in a variety of areas. This allows us to expand access to critical legal resources for survivors navigating complex systems.
领导力
This work is guided by experienced leaders, advocates, and community partners committed to creating lasting change. Together, they bring expertise, compassion, and a shared belief that everyone deserves to live free from fear.
职业生涯
The work we do is made possible by people who care deeply about supporting others and strengthening communities. If you are looking to be part of meaningful, impact-driven work, we invite you to explore opportunities to join our team.
JOB LISTINGS
SUPPORT HUMAN OPTIONS
Your generosity makes waves against the epidemic of relationship violence. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps us provide critical services to survivors and their families.
