Collaboration Launches Care Center for Unhoused Children

The Illumination Foundation’s Children and Families Recuperative Care Center in Santa Ana, which opened just six weeks ago, has reached full capacity. Dr. Pooja Bhalla, the foundation’s Chief Executive Officer, confirmed this at the official ribbon-cutting ceremony on December 5, adding that another family was expected to arrive that day.

Founded in 2007, the Illumination Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing and dismantling the cycle of homelessness. The organization has historically focused on the intersection of housing instability and healthcare access. Since its inception, it has expanded its offerings to include medical respite beds, launched in 2009, to provide a safe stay for homeless individuals recently discharged from hospitals or emergency rooms. Today, the foundation operates seven recuperative care centers spanning Los Angeles, Orange County, and Riverside County, collectively offering over 500 beds.

The Santa Ana facility, distinguished as the first of its kind in the nation, aims specifically to support homeless families with children. Dr. Bhalla emphasized the importance of family unity during recovery, stating, “Here we are able to have families stay in the same room as their child who has medical issues, with the goal of getting them into stable housing.” The center’s design fosters not just recovery, but also stability and support, ensuring that the needs of both parents and children are addressed effectively.

In partnership with CalOptima Health, the center secured a .5 million community grant aimed at establishing this facility as a critical resource. This grant is part of a larger million community initiative overseen by CalOptima Health, which focuses on transitional housing solutions in alignment with California’s Housing and Homelessness Incentive Program. In addition to funding, CalOptima Health’s innovative reimbursement structure promises to maintain the center’s long-term viability, as noted by Dr. Bhalla.

Within two homes that can accommodate up to six families, each family enjoys their own room while sharing common spaces, including a kitchen, living area, and laundry facilities. This environment strives to create a home-like atmosphere where families can focus on recovery.

Angelica Rios, the associate director of family programs at the center, highlighted the holistic approach employed: medical staff are available round-the-clock, and dedicated case managers work closely with families to connect them with essential resources. “I like to think of my team as a wraparound service because we want to make sure they are successful once they transition out of our program,” Rios explained.

The center’s effectiveness is evidenced by its relationships with local medical facilities, such as Children’s Hospital of Orange County, which can refer families to the Illumination Foundation for additional support. This kind of integration is crucial in helping families navigate the complexities of care for children with serious medical conditions. For instance, one mother currently residing at the center has been able to secure treatment for her eight-year-old son, who was diagnosed with epilepsy after being referred from a local hospital.

Dr. Bhalla expressed her hope that the Children and Families Recuperative Care Center will serve as a vital initial step in addressing the healthcare needs of homeless families, particularly those with sick children. “For unhoused families living in Orange County with sick children, they need a place to finish that antibiotic or treat that infection, but they shouldn’t be living in a car,” she emphasized. Bhalla’s comments underscore an urgent need for additional facilities of this nature, as the demand continues to outstrip available resources in the community.