WISEPlace

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As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, WISEPlace provides unaccompanied women with housing solutions, counseling For more information, visit www.wiseplace.org.

For 99 years, WISEPlace has served more than 8,560 women by providing safe shelter, counseling and mental health services, case management and addiction recovery, and employment assistance to help rebuild their lives. The nonprofit organization is the only Orange County-based establishment leading the effort to end homelessness for unaccompanied women. Originally established as the South Orange County YWCA, WISEPlace instills hope in women and provides a path to personal stability so they do not face adversity alone. Most recently, the organization announced a housing development partnership, with plans to completely renovate the existing 1950's building, to construct supportive housing while continuing the vital wrap-around services offered to all participants. WISEPlace is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization headquartered in Santa Ana, California.

10/28/2026

Did you know your donation to WISEPlace could be doubled through your employer’s matching gift program? 💸✨ It takes just minutes to submit the form—and your impact goes twice as far in supporting women experiencing homelessness. 💪🏽🏠

📩 Email [email protected] to learn how to make your gift go further.

10/27/2026

We need YOUR help! Volunteer to provide meals on one of these days in November.

💜🍂 At WISEPlace, nutritious breakfasts, lunches, and dinners are part of the WISEPlace Way—helping women rebuild strength, stability, and self‑reliance. Last year, we served 8,435 meals, and this season, we need your help to keep that care going. Love cooking or gathering friends for a meaningful project? Your fall meal donation can brighten someone’s day and fuel their journey forward.

Sign up on our volunteer portal (Galaxy Digital).
https://wiseplace.galaxydigital.com/agency/detail/?agency_id=168463

10/26/2026

Did you know? Half of unhoused people experienced for the first time after age 50.

Clara was one of them. Coming to gave her a second chance in life.

“If someone had told me that at 59 years old, I would be sleeping in my car night after night, I would have said they were crazy. I had raised six children on my own while working full-time and prided myself on my independence. But there I was. Alone, scared, and with no idea how to get my life back. I had recently had a falling out with my children, and I couldn’t bring myself to tell them the truth – I was homeless.

I had been a medical assistant for 25 years when my back pain started. Five years and two back surgeries later, I was in more pain than ever and unable to walk more than 25 feet at a time. I had to quit my job in the middle of the pandemic and became a caregiver. When my patient passed away, I realized that my back pain was too severe to continue working. I had run out of options. Without a job or savings, I was forced to leave my apartment and spent the next two frightening months sleeping in my car.

I felt my first glimmer of hope when a friend told me about WISEPlace."- Clara

10/25/2026

Every day a little progress is made. We are so proud of participants like Mariana.💜

She has met with our volunteer financial advisor and has been able to increase her credit score. Now we are focusing on housing. Help women like Mariana on their path to self-reliance.

&housingalliance

10/24/2026

🦷💜 A huge thank‑you to Families Together of Orange County for bringing smiles and essential dental care right to . Your partnership strengthens our commitment to health, wellness, and dignity for those we serve — and it truly matters.

10/23/2026

Got a car just sitting in your garage? Consider donating it to via Cars2Charities Running or not, your vehicle donation will help contribute actual money to our women's shelter and services. Your car donation is tax deductible too.
To donate your vehicle, click here:
https://www.cars2charities.org/give/wiseplace-car-donation

10/22/2026

Having a pet is healing and for those on their journey from homelessness to self-reliance, pets are not just animals but true companions, family even. We are grateful for Helping Homeless Companions for keeping our pets groomed and happy. Thank you! 💜

10/21/2026

Did you know that adults over 55 are the fastest growing segment of the unhoused population?

For older adults, the trauma of homelessness is often compounded by chronic health conditions and mobility issues, as well as feelings of guilt, embarrassment, and a hesitancy to ask for help. It can be life-threatening for unaccompanied women like Elaine (pictured here) who never imagined that she would experience homelessness in their 70s.

Learn more about and how we help women of all ages experiencing homelessness get back on their feet at wiseplace.org

10/20/2026

💜 Every number tells a story of resilience, hope, and a fresh start.

At WISEPlace, we don't just provide shelter—we provide housing solutions and wraparound services that empower unaccompanied women experiencing homelessness to rebuild their lives and achieve lasting stability.

In the past year:
🏠 95% attained and retained housing
💙 91% were connected to health insurance by program exit
📈 89% increased or maintained their income

These outcomes are possible because of a caring community that believes every woman deserves safety, dignity, and the opportunity to thrive. Together, we're helping women move beyond crisis and toward long-term self-reliance.

Thank you to our donors, volunteers, community partners, and supporters for making this impact possible. Every gift, every hour, and every act of kindness helps create pathways home.

10/19/2026

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

💜 We’re proud to share that WISEPlace’s permanent supportive housing program is the first and only in Orange County with housing vouchers specifically set aside for survivors of domestic violence.

🏠 This milestone reflects our deep commitment and expertise in supporting women on their journey to safety, healing, and stability.

🙏Together with the City of Santa Ana - Municipal Government we’re creating real pathways out of homelessness for survivors.

🌟 We hope this effort inspires more cities and developers to consider domestic violence survivor-centered solutions across OC and beyond.

Address

1411 North Broadway
Santa Ana, CA
92706

Telephone

+17145423577

Website

https://www.wiseplace.org/

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