The Process
Two Paths. One Mission.
Whether you have a home to share or need a stable place to land, Root & Rise OC walks with you every step of the way.
How Root & Rise OC Works
We connect Orange County homeowners who have extra space with county-referred residents who need stable housing. Every placement is vetted, supported, and backed by our 30-Day Foundation Program — so both sides succeed.
For Homeowners
Protect Your Home. Change a Life.
Enrolling takes minutes. We handle the vetting, matching, and ongoing case support — you stay in control.
- 01
Submit Your Enrollment
Fill out our short homeowner form online. Tell us about your space — a spare room, a converted garage, or an ADU — and we'll take it from there.
- 02
We Vet Every Resident
All residents are referred through Orange County's official channels and pass our multi-step screening process before any match is made. You review and approve every placement.
- 03
Your Resident Moves In
Once you approve the match, your resident enters our 30-Day Foundation Program. Case managers check in regularly and are available if anything comes up.
- 04
Ongoing Support — For Both of You
Our team stays engaged throughout the placement. Employment, benefits, documentation, and legal support are all handled through the program — keeping your household stable.
No extra space? Don't have extra space yet? We partner with ADU builders to add a unit to your property at no cost to you.
For Residents
Find Stable Housing. Build a Foundation.
We work with county partners to connect you with a safe, vetted home and the support you need to stay there.
- 01
Get Referred or Apply Directly
You can be referred by Orange County social services, a case worker, or a partner agency — or apply directly through our client intake form.
- 02
Complete the Vetting Process
We review your application, verify your situation, and confirm eligibility. Families with children are welcome. The process is respectful, confidential, and designed to move quickly.
- 03
Get Matched to a Home
We match you with a homeowner whose space fits your needs. You'll know who you're living with before you move in, and the homeowner approves the match too.
- 04
Enter the 30-Day Foundation Program
From day one, you're enrolled in our structured support program — covering ID and documentation, benefits enrollment, employment or school placement, and more.
Common Questions
Ready to Get Started?
Choose your path below and take the first step today.