Father Jerome T. Karcher first began reflecting seriously on the plight of those struggling with homelessness in 1987 while he was Associate Pastor at Saint Norbert’s Church in Orange, California. His first efforts were to organize a small group of friends to assist the homeless. As Associate Pastor at Saint Anne Catholic Church in Santa Ana, he became more aware of the needs of both homeless and immigrant populations. One experience concerning the needs of an immigrant young man who was living on the streets in an abandoned garage particularly moved him to respond to the local situation of homelessness. This decision inspired him to found Mercy House as a non-profit charitable corporation.
Father Jerome T. Karcher first began reflecting seriously on the plight of those struggling with homelessness in 1987 while he was Associate Pastor at Saint Norbert’s Church in Orange, California. His first efforts were to organize a small group of friends to assist the homeless. As Associate Pastor at Saint Anne Catholic Church in Santa Ana, he became more aware of the needs of both homeless and immigrant populations. One experience concerning the needs of an immigrant young man who was living on the streets in an abandoned garage particularly moved him to respond to the local situation of homelessness. This decision inspired him to found Mercy House as a non-profit charitable corporation.
An article in the Diocese of Orange "Bulletin" in November 1989 first announced Father Jerome’s work with the homeless. This article caught the attention of Patrick Powers and the Warren P. Powers Foundation who made the first significant contribution that enabled Mercy House to begin services and hire its first employees.
An article in the Diocese of Orange "Bulletin" in November 1989 first announced Father Jerome’s work with the homeless. This article caught the attention of Patrick Powers and the Warren P. Powers Foundation who made the first significant contribution that enabled Mercy House to begin services and hire its first employees.
Father Jerome’s first project was to create a transitional residence for employable homeless adult men which opened in 1990 in a rented a house on North Main Street in Santa Ana. It provided shelter for 10 men and was simply called Mercy House. The “original” Mercy House eventually became known as Joseph Residence. It moved to a permanent location and is now a large, 4-unit apartment complex that houses 21 formerly homeless single men including veterans. Joseph Residence was remodeled through partnership with HomeAid Orange County.
Father Jerome’s first project was to create a transitional residence for employable homeless adult men which opened in 1990 in a rented a house on North Main Street in Santa Ana. It provided shelter for 10 men and was simply called Mercy House. The “original” Mercy House eventually became known as Joseph Residence. It moved to a permanent location and is now a large, 4-unit apartment complex that houses 21 formerly homeless single men including veterans. Joseph Residence was remodeled through partnership with HomeAid Orange County.
It was clear to Father Jerome that God’s Providence was purposeful as Mercy House received substantial contributions to hire two important staff members in 1990 who would lay the foundation for its services to the poor, the marginalized and those struggling with homelessness. The first was Larry Haynes who is now the Chief Executive Officer for Mercy House and has creatively overseen its expansion of programs and services. The second was Lisa Marcus whose insights and commitment as the Development Director served this growing organization for 15 years.
It was clear to Father Jerome that God’s Providence was purposeful as Mercy House received substantial contributions to hire two important staff members in 1990 who would lay the foundation for its services to the poor, the marginalized and those struggling with homelessness. The first was Larry Haynes who is now the Chief Executive Officer for Mercy House and has creatively overseen its expansion of programs and services. The second was Lisa Marcus whose insights and commitment as the Development Director served this growing organization for 15 years.
In April 1994, the Mercy House vision expanded further to embrace the needs of homeless mothers and their children by opening Regina House, now called Regina Residence. Seven families may maintain residency there for up to one year while the mothers are employed, pursuing higher education or enrolled in a job-training program. Regina Residence was constructed through the generosity and assistance of HomeAid Orange County and Fieldstone and was furnished by Munro’s Furniture.
In April 1994, the Mercy House vision expanded further to embrace the needs of homeless mothers and their children by opening Regina House, now called Regina Residence. Seven families may maintain residency there for up to one year while the mothers are employed, pursuing higher education or enrolled in a job-training program. Regina Residence was constructed through the generosity and assistance of HomeAid Orange County and Fieldstone and was furnished by Munro’s Furniture.
As the vision of Mercy House grew, it began to consider a continuum of services for the marginalized and homeless. This expanding perspective created the Mercy House Center which opened in 1999 as a walk-in outreach program designed to address the immediate needs of Orange County’s homeless population through crisis intervention, food and shelter referral, clothing vouchers, transportation assistance and hygiene items. First located at First United Methodist Church in Santa Ana then later at St. Joseph Church in Santa Ana. The program operated for 11 years until it closed in 2010.
As the vision of Mercy House grew, it began to consider a continuum of services for the marginalized and homeless. This expanding perspective created the Mercy House Center which opened in 1999 as a walk-in outreach program designed to address the immediate needs of Orange County’s homeless population through crisis intervention, food and shelter referral, clothing vouchers, transportation assistance and hygiene items. First located at First United Methodist Church in Santa Ana then later at St. Joseph Church in Santa Ana. The program operated for 11 years until it closed in 2010.
Further expanding its vision of services, Mercy House pioneered a Homeless Prevention Program which provides at-risk households financial assistance to remain stably housed and thwart homelessness.
Further expanding its vision of services, Mercy House pioneered a Homeless Prevention Program which provides at-risk households financial assistance to remain stably housed and thwart homelessness.
In 1996 the Board of Directors and staff began to investigate the need for housing for people who were living with AIDS/HIV. Seeing this as an opportunity to expand our mission, Mercy House opened Emmanuel House, now called Emmanuel Residence, in April 2001 and began operations in June. Emmanuel Residence is a beautiful state-of-the art 21-bedroom facility that houses adult men and women living with HIV or AIDS. The facility was built through the cooperation of HomeAid Orange County and John Laing Homes and furnished through the generosity and coordination of Creative Design Consultants.
In 1996 the Board of Directors and staff began to investigate the need for housing for people who were living with AIDS/HIV. Seeing this as an opportunity to expand our mission, Mercy House opened Emmanuel House, now called Emmanuel Residence, in April 2001 and began operations in June. Emmanuel Residence is a beautiful state-of-the art 21-bedroom facility that houses adult men and women living with HIV or AIDS. The facility was built through the cooperation of HomeAid Orange County and John Laing Homes and furnished through the generosity and coordination of Creative Design Consultants.
A central issue facing the homeless person is lack of affordable housing. Mercy House responded to this need at San Miguel Residence, right across the street from Emmanuel Residence. San Miguel Residence was fully built with the assistance of HomeAid Orange County and Lennar Homes, generously furnished by Creative Design Consultants and Ambrosia Interior Design. San Miguel Residence comprises of two buildings and provides affordable housing with supportive services for up to 25 individuals.
A central issue facing the homeless person is lack of affordable housing. Mercy House responded to this need at San Miguel Residence, right across the street from Emmanuel Residence. San Miguel Residence was fully built with the assistance of HomeAid Orange County and Lennar Homes, generously furnished by Creative Design Consultants and Ambrosia Interior Design. San Miguel Residence comprises of two buildings and provides affordable housing with supportive services for up to 25 individuals.
Expansion of permanent supportive housing included the completion of Louis Martin Residence for formerly homeless, disabled individuals and Katharine Drexel Residence I, a low-income single family home. Additionally, during this time Mercy House forged a strategic partnership with housing developer, Wakeland Housing Development Corporation to begin a Residential Services program supporting children and families residents in low-income housing.
Expansion of permanent supportive housing included the completion of Louis Martin Residence for formerly homeless, disabled individuals and Katharine Drexel Residence I, a low-income single family home. Additionally, during this time Mercy House forged a strategic partnership with housing developer, Wakeland Housing Development Corporation to begin a Residential Services program supporting children and families residents in low-income housing.
Mercy House expanded to Arizona for the first time in July of 2015. Starting with Rapid Rehousing, Mercy house expanded to homeless prevention programs including El Rancho and Franmar Manor. We ended our Rapid Rehousing programs in Arizona in 2017 to focus on homeless prevention programs.
Mercy House expanded to Arizona for the first time in July of 2015. Starting with Rapid Rehousing, Mercy house expanded to homeless prevention programs including El Rancho and Franmar Manor. We ended our Rapid Rehousing programs in Arizona in 2017 to focus on homeless prevention programs.
In 2016, Mercy House celebrated it’s 25th year of serving the community.
In 2016, Mercy House celebrated it’s 25th year of serving the community.
In partnership with Wakeland Housing Development Corporation, Mercy House opened Home Front Camp Anza in 2016. Home Front at Camp Anza consists of 30 affordable homes geared toward veterans and their families in Riverside, California. Located on the former site of Camp Anza, a WWII Army training camp, the project also includes the rehabilitation of the historic Officers Club, which serves as the community center for residents.
In partnership with Wakeland Housing Development Corporation, Mercy House opened Home Front Camp Anza in 2016. Home Front at Camp Anza consists of 30 affordable homes geared toward veterans and their families in Riverside, California. Located on the former site of Camp Anza, a WWII Army training camp, the project also includes the rehabilitation of the historic Officers Club, which serves as the community center for residents.
Mercy House opened The Orchard, a permanent supportive housing complex in Santa Ana. The Orchard was formerly a motel, until Community Development Partners purchased the property to turn it into the beautiful site we now call The Orchard.
Mercy House opened The Orchard, a permanent supportive housing complex in Santa Ana. The Orchard was formerly a motel, until Community Development Partners purchased the property to turn it into the beautiful site we now call The Orchard.
The Cove was Mercy House's first location in Newport Beach. Located on PCH in Newport Beach, The Cove houses 12 formerly homeless veterans and low-income seniors. The Cove offers a number of amenities and connects clients to housing stability through the case management services that Mercy House provides.
The Cove was Mercy House's first location in Newport Beach. Located on PCH in Newport Beach, The Cove houses 12 formerly homeless veterans and low-income seniors. The Cove offers a number of amenities and connects clients to housing stability through the case management services that Mercy House provides.
The Oxnard Navigation Center was Mercy House's first program in Ventura County. The Oxnard Navigation Center is a 110 bed shelter that helps house clients while Mercy House staff work to connect them to permanent housing.
The Oxnard Navigation Center was Mercy House's first program in Ventura County. The Oxnard Navigation Center is a 110 bed shelter that helps house clients while Mercy House staff work to connect them to permanent housing.
The ARCH, operated by Mercy House, is an emergency shelter located in Ventura, CA that serves 55 single adults. This emergency shelter is the second Mercy House operated facility in Ventura County.
The ARCH, operated by Mercy House, is an emergency shelter located in Ventura, CA that serves 55 single adults. This emergency shelter is the second Mercy House operated facility in Ventura County.
The New Hope Shelter was Mercy House's first program in Los Angeles County. New Hope, operated by Mercy House, is an emergency shelter located in Bellflower, CA that serves 50 single adults.
The New Hope Shelter was Mercy House's first program in Los Angeles County. New Hope, operated by Mercy House, is an emergency shelter located in Bellflower, CA that serves 50 single adults.
Buena Park Navigation Center, operated by Mercy House, is an emergency shelter located in Buena Park, CA that serves 149 individuals.
Buena Park Navigation Center, operated by Mercy House, is an emergency shelter located in Buena Park, CA that serves 149 individuals.
Brundage Lane Navigation Center is Mercy House's first program in Kern County. This navigation center, operated by Mercy House, is located in Bakersfield, CA and provides 150 beds as well as wrap-around services for adults living with homelessness.
Brundage Lane Navigation Center is Mercy House's first program in Kern County. This navigation center, operated by Mercy House, is located in Bakersfield, CA and provides 150 beds as well as wrap-around services for adults living with homelessness.
Huntington Beach Navigation Center, operated by Mercy House, is an emergency shelter located in Huntington Beach, CA that serves 174 individuals.
Huntington Beach Navigation Center, operated by Mercy House, is an emergency shelter located in Huntington Beach, CA that serves 174 individuals.
Casa Querencia, also nicknamed Casa Q, is a permanent housing community in partnership with Community Development Partners. It is a four-story building with 57 units that serves chronically homeless individuals. Casa Q residents living within our Permanent Supportive Housing will receive services and support to help improve their mental health and stability all provided by Mercy House.
Casa Querencia, also nicknamed Casa Q, is a permanent housing community in partnership with Community Development Partners. It is a four-story building with 57 units that serves chronically homeless individuals. Casa Q residents living within our Permanent Supportive Housing will receive services and support to help improve their mental health and stability all provided by Mercy House.
Hulen Place Bridge Shelter is a 24 bed shelter in Riverside, CA. This shelter provides emergency shelter for men and women, and supportive services for clients by Housing Navigators.
Hulen Place Bridge Shelter is a 24 bed shelter in Riverside, CA. This shelter provides emergency shelter for men and women, and supportive services for clients by Housing Navigators.
Legacy Square, opened in 2022 in partnership with National Core, provides housing and supportive services for individuals and families. Legacy Square residents living within our Permanent Supportive Housing will receive services and support to help improve their mental health and stability all provided by Mercy House.
Legacy Square, opened in 2022 in partnership with National Core, provides housing and supportive services for individuals and families. Legacy Square residents living within our Permanent Supportive Housing will receive services and support to help improve their mental health and stability all provided by Mercy House.
Harrison Hope Center is based in Corona, CA. Harrison Hope provides emergency shelter for men and women, and supportive services are provided to clients by Housing Navigators on site.
Harrison Hope Center is based in Corona, CA. Harrison Hope provides emergency shelter for men and women, and supportive services are provided to clients by Housing Navigators on site.
La Placita Cinco, in partnership with Community Development Partners, is located in the heart of Santa Ana, CA and was opened in 2023 . This housing community was once part of an underutilized retail plaza. Since then, it has been transformed into permanent, affordable housing.
La Placita Cinco, in partnership with Community Development Partners, is located in the heart of Santa Ana, CA and was opened in 2023 . This housing community was once part of an underutilized retail plaza. Since then, it has been transformed into permanent, affordable housing.
St. Michael’s is a housing community in partnership with Community Development Partners. It offers 50 one- and two- bedroom apartments, located in two adjoining buildings. Of the fifty new affordable units, twenty-four are reserved for those experiencing homelessness. The community is also located nearby additional public, social, and health service providers and is well served by public transit.
St. Michael’s is a housing community in partnership with Community Development Partners. It offers 50 one- and two- bedroom apartments, located in two adjoining buildings. Of the fifty new affordable units, twenty-four are reserved for those experiencing homelessness. The community is also located nearby additional public, social, and health service providers and is well served by public transit.
Sue’s Espacio is an Emergency Shelter that is based in Tempe, AZ. Sue’s Espacio is one of the few Mercy House run emergency shelters that are based in Arizona. This shelter provides emergency shelter for men and women, and supportive services are provided to clients by Housing Navigators on site.
Sue’s Espacio is an Emergency Shelter that is based in Tempe, AZ. Sue’s Espacio is one of the few Mercy House run emergency shelters that are based in Arizona. This shelter provides emergency shelter for men and women, and supportive services are provided to clients by Housing Navigators on site.
Mesa Vista residents living within our Permanent Supportive Housing will receive services and support to help improve their mental health and stability all provided by Mercy House. This housing community is part of the Homekey project, which is part of an initiative statewide that plans to rapidly expand housing for individuals experiencing homelessness.
Mesa Vista residents living within our Permanent Supportive Housing will receive services and support to help improve their mental health and stability all provided by Mercy House. This housing community is part of the Homekey project, which is part of an initiative statewide that plans to rapidly expand housing for individuals experiencing homelessness.
La Entrada, located in Riverside, provides 65 units of affordable housing serving low-income and very low-income families. Among these, 8 units are specifically designated for households that are either experiencing homelessness or that are at a risk of becoming homeless. All residents will have access to several development programs and activities provided by Wakeland. Residents living within our Permanent Supportive Housing will receive additional services and support to help improve their mental health and stability, all provided by Mercy House.
La Entrada, located in Riverside, provides 65 units of affordable housing serving low-income and very low-income families. Among these, 8 units are specifically designated for households that are either experiencing homelessness or that are at a risk of becoming homeless. All residents will have access to several development programs and activities provided by Wakeland. Residents living within our Permanent Supportive Housing will receive additional services and support to help improve their mental health and stability, all provided by Mercy House.
In partnership with National CORE, Vista de la Sierra residents living within our Permanent Supportive Housing will receive services and support to help improve their mental health and stability all provided by Mercy House. A large community center will serve as the central hub for resident services, and services will also include private case management.
In partnership with National CORE, Vista de la Sierra residents living within our Permanent Supportive Housing will receive services and support to help improve their mental health and stability all provided by Mercy House. A large community center will serve as the central hub for resident services, and services will also include private case management.
Casa Aliento is an Emergency Shelter that is based in Oxnard, CA. This shelter had its Phase 1 soft opening all the way back in 2021, and it completed its Phase 2 opening in 2025. This shelter provides emergency shelter for men and women, and supportive services are provided to clients by Housing Navigators on site.
Casa Aliento is an Emergency Shelter that is based in Oxnard, CA. This shelter had its Phase 1 soft opening all the way back in 2021, and it completed its Phase 2 opening in 2025. This shelter provides emergency shelter for men and women, and supportive services are provided to clients by Housing Navigators on site.
We opened the first Mercy House shelter, Casa Cacique in Santa Barbara in January of 2026. This 100 bed navigation center is our first low barrier shelter in Santa Barbara.
We opened the first Mercy House shelter, Casa Cacique in Santa Barbara in January of 2026. This 100 bed navigation center is our first low barrier shelter in Santa Barbara.
In partnership with the city of Phoenix, AZ, Senior Bridge provides short-term housing for adults 55 and older who are actively engaged in a housing plan and awaiting placement in permanent affordable housing.
In partnership with the city of Phoenix, AZ, Senior Bridge provides short-term housing for adults 55 and older who are actively engaged in a housing plan and awaiting placement in permanent affordable housing.
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