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Human Options Inc

EIN 95-3667817 · Irvine, CA

Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthFair64 out of 100GovernanceStrong100 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

Human Options ignites social change by educating Orange County to recognize relationship violence as an issue that threatens everyone, advocating for those affected by abuse, extending a safe place for victims, and empowering survivors on their journey of healing.

Income
$6.4 million
Spending
$7.3 million
Spent on programs
80%
Reserves
4.8 months of spending
Largest source of income
government grants, 62%
Employees
86
Volunteers
41
Highest pay
$218,105, chief executive officer

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Fair: 64 out of 100. Higher than 36% of charities in its peer group (human services, $1m to $10m).

  • Reserves

    20 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 4.8 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 6% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    4 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 14% of income.

  • Income trend

    5 of 15

    Income fell 10% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    80% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 6 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 65% of charities in its peer group (human services, $1m to $10m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    21 of 21 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    15 of 15

    Has a written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    8 of 8

    Has a written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    7 of 7

    Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.

  • Board minutes

    5 of 5

    Keeps minutes of board meetings.

  • Board sees the tax return

    10 of 10

    Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.

  • Pay set independently

    5 of 5

    Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.

  • Independent check of accounts

    15 of 15

    Its accounts were audited by an independent accountant.

  • No reported misuse

    10 of 10

    Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Impact evidence

Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.

Programs described in its return (3)
  1. $3.3 million spent. Human Options' residential services offer a continuum of care which encompasses the 24 hour crisis hotline, 45 day emergency shelter (with on-site 90 day Family Healing Center), and transitional housing programs - both 6-month and longer term. Our clients are adult and child victims of domestic violence of all ages, ethnicities, orientations, and come from all over Orange County. They are considered homeless as they are fleeing abuse in their home, typically have had severe trauma experiences, usually have minimal income and are striving to achieve safety and emotional and financial self-sufficiency. Support is also provided to survivors who may be able to sustain permanent housing but need stability assistance and access to a supportive community. Second Step provides housing for up to 6 months, offers counseling, case management, legal advocacy, parenting and life skills education as well as assistance with permanent housing for up to 14 families at a time. Vocational training and employment assistance are key program activities designed to help clients reach economic self-sufficiency. Follow up services are offered to program graduates for a 6 month period after second step program completion. Third step is an extended transitional housing program providing low-cost rents for up to one year, with case management and counseling as needed for six low income families.
  2. $2.2 million spent. Community Based Services - Community Based Services programs provide a safety net and support services to individuals who are not ready to enter a residential program but are trying to break the cycle of violence. Services are provided at Family Resource Centers located in Santa Ana, Newport-Mesa, Westminster, Huntington Beach and Garden Grove and the Safe Options for Seniors Program based in the administrative office in Irvine and in the Orange County Family Justice Center. The programs provide services for adult and child victims of domestic violence, as well as family members when appropriate. Services include, but are not limited to, legal advocacy, individual, family and children's counseling, case management, personal empowerment programs, teen dating violence prevention and senior advocacy. All Community Based Services locations accept walk-ins.
  3. $418,930 spent. Prevention Education provides presentations for students in middle school, high school, and college or universities, to raise awareness of relationship and teen dating violence and healthy relationships. The program also provides training for a steadily growing number of healthcare providers, law enforcement agencies, human resource professionals, local companies, faith-based groups, hairdressers, and social service agencies in order to equip them with the knowledge and resources to be effective first responders when someone discloses abuse. Activating a health response by community members when it comes to domestic violence vastly expands the safety net for abuse victims.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Legitimacy checks

  1. Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.

    Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  2. Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.

    Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.

    Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated November 6, 2026.

  3. Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.

    On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.

    Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  4. Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.

    Most recent return on file covers the year ending June 2025.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  5. How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.

    Recognized by the IRS since March 1982.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  6. Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.

    Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.

    Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated November 4, 2026.

Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.