Thank You From Family Promise

In 2015, the Presbytery of Los Ranchos challenged the member congregations to use their creativity and imagination to think of ideas for new projects that would help further the Kingdom and engage the community. As part of the challenge, the Presbytery offered to match funds for projects that were selected. In response to this opportunity, Family Promise submitted a proposal to establish transitional housing, as a ministry of compassion, and was granted up to $50,000 in matching funds. Family Promise was able to receive a total of $100,000 due to the passion and generosity of Tustin Presbyterian Church in raising a match of $50,000.

During 2016, Family Promise began the process of exploring the questions of what was needed and where, and whether Family Promise should focus on renovating an existing structure or build an entirely new structure. This search process involved visiting transitional houses and similar projects in Orange County and finding out what worked well and what did not.

As part of the research process, Family Promise met with representatives from the City of Tustin to find out what properties might be available in Tustin. In 2017, Family Promise began working with HomeAid Orange County to see what might be possible if the two non-profits worked together. HomeAid, a national organization, is the philanthropic arm of the Building Industry Association. Later in 2017, Family Promise made a formal proposal to the City of Tustin to build transitional housing on a vacant lot owned by the City of Tustin.

Through collaboration with HomeAid Orange County, the project came to life with an architectural rendering of a building that would consist of 7 apartment units, currently known as the ‘House of Ruth.’ Once the City of Tustin became convinced that such a project would benefit Tustin, the parties spent several months negotiating the terms of an Exclusive Negotiation Agreement, which was ultimately signed in 2018.

We are pleased to announce that after several months of negotiating the terms of a ‘Disposition and Development Agreement,’ the Tustin City Council unanimously approved the ‘DDA’ on February 18, 2020. By the terms of the agreement, the City of Tustin will convey the vacant 18,800 sq. ft. lot to Family Promise under a 30-year forgivable Promissory Note. Family Promise has 18 months to raise the funds to build the project and then 24 months for the actual construction. Families with ties to Tustin will have preferential placement in the housing program.

We, at Family Promise, are grateful for the opportunity provided by the Presbytery of Los Ranchos as well as the generosity of Tustin Presbyterian Church and several others who have blessed us with donations. We would appreciate your prayers as we continue forward with the fundraising part of this project. We look forward to helping families overcome homelessness!

Melody Mosley
www.FamilyPromiseOrangeCounty.org