Local nonprofit Finally Family Homes hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house on Tuesday to unveil its newly completed Oasis Resource Center, a safe and welcoming space designed to support young adults facing housing instability and life without a reliable safety net.

The Oasis Resource Center is fully furnished and decorated to create a warm, home-like environment for young adults ages 18–26 who have aged out of foster care, are at risk of homelessness, or are struggling to find stability, according to organizers.

Sophia Lesseos | KHTS

The center offers access to food, hygiene items, housing support, basic needs, and connection with caring adults.

“Over the last eight years, Finally Family Homes has been working to provide consistent support to young adults navigating the transition to adulthood, especially those who are struggling with homelessness or aging out of foster care during this time,” said Christina Dronen, founder and executive director of Finally Family Homes. “We’ve seen that when young adults are treated with dignity, given choice, and surrounded by people who show up consistently, they develop the strength to face challenges and move forward with purpose.”

Founded in 2017, Finally Family Homes has served more than 400 young adults and their children, helping them transition from crisis and isolation toward long-term stability and meaningful community.

Over the past year, the Oasis Resource Center has been transformed into a space focused on restoring dignity and building relationships for those who often have nowhere else to turn.

“This impact didn’t happen because of the building. It happened because people who care kept showing up over the years, people in this community, our board, our staff, hundreds of volunteers and supporters, have come alongside our young adults to say, ‘You are worth investing in,’” Dronen added.

Before finding support through Finally Family Homes, Josue Almaraz spent years without stable housing.

“I was living in my car for two years, and I was very certain that I was just going to be here for a minute until I saved enough money.” Josue Almaraz who says he was experiencing homelessness for a couple years said Finally Family Homes helped him get off the streets. 

“It was very, very hard for me to have open arms to give me the services that they have here,” Almaraz said. 

Eventually he took a chance with its services. 

“When I went through the housing program, I think that’s one of the best things I did for me, because it saved me a lot more money,” Almaraz said. “I’m in a better position right now, not just because of what they did, but because of how much they really, really care about me.”

Now Almaraz is a behavior therapist for kids with autism and regularly volunteers at Finally Family Holmes to help others who were in a similar situation get the help they need.

The ribbon-cutting event included brief remarks, tours of the center, and light refreshments. Community members, local leaders, church partners, and neighbors are invited to attend.

Stephanie English presenting a certificate on behalf of Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger to CEO Christina Dronen (Sophia Lesseos | KHTS)

Special guests included representatives from the offices of local elected officials, such as L.A. County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, Congressman George Whitesides, State Senator Suzette Valladares, and State Assemblymember Pilar Schiavo, as well as the City of Santa Clarita.

Finally Family Homes is asking community members to help stock the Oasis hygiene shelves. Current high-need donation items include new, full-sized shampoo, body wash, and face wash, which can be dropped off at the event or during regular open hours.

Finally Family Homes is also seeking volunteers to support daily operations at the Oasis Resource Center.

Volunteer opportunities are open to individuals ages 14 and up, with flexible morning and afternoon shifts available.

The Oasis Resource Center, located at 23120 Lyons Avenue, is open Tuesday through Friday from 10:45 a.m. to 5:45 p.m., and volunteers may set their own availability after completing orientation.

Volunteer responsibilities include welcoming visitors, giving tours, answering phones, taking inventory of the free store, cleaning and maintaining the center, watering plants, writing thank-you notes and encouraging postcards, assisting with special events, and helping with various projects.

Volunteers should have strong communication skills, a sense of responsibility, and the ability to interact with visitors in a kind and welcoming manner.

Dronen shared a story that captures why Finally Family Homes matters.

Carrie, a young woman, came to Finally Family Homes after her mother passed away and she became the caregiver for her younger siblings. Over time, through regular visits to the Oasis, she came to know it was a place she could rely on.

“A few weeks ago, her brother passed away, and in that moment, what mattered wasn’t a program or service; it was knowing that she was valued here and that she didn’t have to face that loss alone,” Dronen said. “Because trust already existed. We were able to show up, not just in crisis, but as people who had been investing in her all along. That’s the kind of support this center exists for (…) this place matters, but what happens inside matters more. This work is about building a caring community that shows up and keeps showing up.”

Finally Family Homes is also being featured as The Local Pub & Grill’s charity of the month.

Throughout January, 10% of proceeds from The Local Charity Burger, Cocktail, and Ale will be donated to support the nonprofit’s work with local young adults.

Those interested in volunteering can find more information and sign up online. Staff from Finally Family Homes will follow up with details after registration.

For more information about Finally Family Homes, its Oasis Resource Center, or volunteer opportunities, visit the website.

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