Our housing navigators walk with survivors every step of the way, ensuring they receive the support and care they need. Our Key Housing Program is built around core principles that prioritize being survivor-driven, trauma-informed, and focused on housing stabilization. We receive referrals from both internal and external sources, serving clients across Orange County, Los Angeles, the Inland Empire, and beyond. The journey begins with a call to our 24/7 helpline, where an initial phone screening is conducted, and a referral is forwarded to a Housing Navigator in our Key Housing department for follow-up.
During this phase, additional information about their immediate needs and DV/HT situation is gathered, and an intake is scheduled. In this intake, an advocate collects supporting documentation and creates a hypothetical monthly budget to determine the client’s affordability for housing, whether it be a studio, apartment, or other arrangement. Public benefits, such as Cal Fresh or Cal Works, are also assessed, especially for those with children. This allows us to identify other resources available and offer support for recertifying benefits or regaining them if they’ve been discontinued.
Beyond housing stability, we ensure clients have access to additional resources. At Radiant Futures, we offer a wide array of services, including Emergency Shelter, Transitional Housing, Key Housing, Community Services, Legal Aid, and Clinical Services. Our program empowers survivors by giving them flexibility—whether they need a room to rent, want to secure an apartment with a roommate, or wish to live independently.
Housing Navigation services allow survivors to pursue housing in areas that suit their needs. This autonomy is key to our survivor-driven approach. Whether it’s staying in the same city for their children’s education or seeking housing in a new environment, survivors have the freedom to choose. Housing Navigators assist with apartment applications, follow-ups with leasing offices, and help secure independent housing. Once approved, the navigator conducts a habitability inspection and gathers required documents like the lease and move-in expenses, ensuring a smooth process.
Our support continues as survivors receive housing packages before moving in. These packages include essentials like comforter sets, pots and pans, kitchen utensils, laundry detergent, and more. They can also request additional home essentials and furniture, contributing to their housing stabilization by making them feel comfortable and fully equipped in their new space.
Radiant Futures ensures that all volunteers, interns, staff, and personnel use trauma-informed care while working with survivors. We prioritize meeting their immediate needs, whether it’s food, shelter, counseling, or legal aid. We respect their readiness to embark on independent housing and offer flexibility if they need more time. Our advocates and Housing Team work to empower survivors, helping them transform their circumstances by reducing barriers. Monthly budgets, personal empowerment plans, housing stabilization plans, and safety plans are created to support their journey.
Even after securing housing, we provide Case Management services for a full year. If any issues arise with landlords or other tenants, our Housing Navigators offer mediation to resolve conflicts and maintain strong landlord partnerships. We aim to ensure survivors live comfortably with their tenant rights protected. Should life circumstances like job loss or reduced hours occur, survivors can reach out for further support, including food, gas cards, or rental assistance.
Every survivor’s journey is unique, requiring tailored support to meet their specific needs. If you or someone you know could benefit from more information about our Key Housing Program, please call our 24/7 Helpline at 877-531-5522.