What Home Start does

Home Start, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit child abuse prevention and treatment agency headquartered in San Diego, California, founded in 1972 as a Head Start demonstration project and incorporated as an independent nonprofit in 1977. The organization operates a portfolio of interconnected wraparound programs addressing child welfare, family strengthening, behavioral health, housing instability, and economic self-sufficiency for at-risk children and families across San Diego County. Core programs include Community Services for Families (home-based parent education and case management), Maternity Housing Program, Behavioral Health Services (delivering evidence-based modalities including Parent-Child Interaction Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy, and Play Therapy), First 5 First Steps, Communities in Action, Housing Programs for Transitional Age Youth (18–24), Family Visitation, and free VITA tax preparation. Services are delivered through eight physical sites across San Diego and El Cajon plus home- and community-based outreach, with intake driven primarily by referrals from Child Welfare Services, healthcare providers, and community partners.

The underlying technology stack is modest and case-management oriented: the organization uses a Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) for housing-program case management, telehealth video for behavioral health counseling, and e-commerce platforms for its two social enterprises (Home Start Thrift Boutique, a physical storefront plus OfferUp presence; and Bright Futures Candles, an online and wholesale candle operation). Revenue is generated through a diversified nonprofit model including government grants and contracts (County of San Diego HHSA, First 5 San Diego, FYSB, CalOES), individual and corporate donations (including vehicle donations and planned giving), earned revenue from the two social enterprises, and signature fundraising events (Blue Ribbon Gala, Hallo-Wine Fall Festival). Pricing is free or sliding-scale for direct service recipients, with payment flowing from institutional funders rather than end users. Annual service reach is approximately 22,000–28,000 individuals, supported by 101–250 employees and a volunteer base of 534 contributors donating 13,058 hours in FY2025. Leadership transitioned to new CEO Joe Buehrle in 2026, bringing prior systems-change and large-scale government contracting experience from SAY San Diego.

Name

Home Start

Legal name

Home Start, Inc.

Website

https://home-start.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1972

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Home Start is a San Diego–based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that prevents and treats child abuse through wraparound programs in behavioral health, housing, parenting education, and family visitation, serving 22,000–28,000 at-risk children and families annually across San Diego County via government contracts, donations, and social enterprises.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Child and Family Social Services

NAICS

Child and Youth Services (62411), Other Community Housing Services (624229), Other Individual and Family Services (62419)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Youth Housing, Foster Care & Wraparound Support (Education-Linked) Nonprofits (BPAGADAO)

akta.pro secondary industries

Family Coaching, Parent-Mediated & Home Visiting EI Services (EDACAFAJ), Family Engagement & Caregiver Support Programs (SEL/Mental Health) (EDAKAMAK), Family Resource Centers & Wraparound Support Services (EDACALAH)

Keywords

• Child abuse prevention
• Family support services
• Behavioral health therapy
• Transitional housing programs
• Nonprofit social services

Headquarters

HQ city

San Diego

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices9 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Donations and Charitable Contributions: Individual donations, corporate donations, and charitable contributions including planned giving, vehicle donations, and one-time/multi-year gifts
2. Government Grants and Contracts: Funding from County of San Diego HHSA, First 5 San Diego, Family and Youth Services Bureau (FYSB), CalOES, and other government sources for specific programs
3. Thrift Boutique Revenue: Social enterprise retail operation selling donated clothing, accessories, furniture, and household goods; proceeds fund Home Start programs
4. Bright Futures Candles Revenue: Hand-crafted candle social enterprise producing candles made by program participants; sells through boutique, online, and wholesale channels
5. Special Events Revenue: Annual Blue Ribbon Gala and Hallo-Wine Fall Festival generate funds through ticket sales, sponsorships, and auctions

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Home Start is a San Diego-based nonprofit child abuse prevention and treatment agency that delivers wraparound social services to at-risk children and families. Its core programs include Behavioral Health Services, Community Services for Families, Maternity Housing, First 5 First Steps, Communities in Action, Housing Programs for Transitional Age Youth, Family Visitation, and free tax preparation via VITA. The organization also operates two social enterprises—Home Start Thrift Boutique and Bright Futures Candles—that provide job training and employment for program participants while generating revenue to fund the mission.

Product overview

Home Start is a nonprofit child abuse prevention and treatment agency offering wraparound social service programs designed to strengthen families and protect children in San Diego County. The organization operates a portfolio of interconnected programs including: five core service programs (Community Services for Families, Maternity Housing Program, Behavioral Health Services, First 5 First Steps, and Communities in Action); housing programs providing transitional and permanent supportive housing for youth and families; the VITA free tax preparation program; two social enterprises (Home Start Thrift Boutique and Bright Futures Candles) that generate revenue and provide job training; family visitation services; and signature fundraising events (Blue Ribbon Gala and Hallo-Wine Fall Festival). The organization also manages planned giving, vehicle donations, and holiday toy drives. Founded in 1972 and incorporated in 1977, Home Start served over 28,000 families last year across San Diego and surrounding counties.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Home Start Thrift Boutique: A nonprofit thrift store offering quality second-hand and vintage items to benefit San Diego families in need. Provides job training for Home Start clients.
• Bright Futures Candles

Products and services

• Community Services for Families (CSF) Home-based parent education and case management services, community-based parenting classes, and peer support for parents involved with Child Welfare Services, promoting child safety and stable living environments for families in San Diego County.
• Maternity Housing Program (MHP) Provides supportive housing and wrap-around services for unhoused pregnant or parenting women ages 18-24 and their children, including parental education, counseling, and employment resources. The program has saved over 265 families since apartments opened.
• Behavioral Health Services (BHS) Individual and family therapy services for children under 18 across San Diego County, including evidence-based treatments such as Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT), and Play Therapy. Services are delivered at counseling centers in Mission Valley and El Cajon, with telehealth video options. Most services are free to child survivors of abuse, crime, or traumatic events.
• First 5 First Steps (F5FS) No-cost in-home parent education and family support for pregnant women and families with young children, providing voluntary home-based services from prenatal period through early childhood. Offered in partnership with First 5 San Diego and Healthy Families San Diego County. A record-breaking 56 families graduated in the Class of 2025, a 55% increase from 2024.
• Communities in Action (CinA) Self-sufficiency program offering employment services, financial coaching, income support, hygienic supplies, tax assistance through VITA, and resource referrals from the Jacobs Center hub. Funded by County of San Diego HHSA and the Live Well San Diego initiative.
• Housing Programs Transitional and permanent supportive housing for Transitional Age Youth ages 18-24, including FYSB, CalOES XH, THP+, Maternity Housing, street outreach, rapid rehousing, and justice-involved housing stability services. FYSB grant (90YZ0070-01-00) supports transitional housing programs.
• Free Tax Prep / VITA Program Free tax preparation services through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, assisting approximately 1,800 people annually with household incomes under $70,000. Free for households under $70,000.
• Home Start Thrift Boutique Nonprofit thrift store at 3611 Adams Ave in Normal Heights, San Diego, open Tuesday-Saturday with clothing, furniture, and household items. Provides job training for Home Start clients and revenue supporting programs including MHP and CSF. Also sells online via OfferUp.
• Bright Futures Candles Hand-crafted candles made in San Diego by Home Start residents and program participants, providing job training and employment opportunities for women survivors of domestic violence and homelessness. Sells through the Thrift Boutique, online at brightfuturescandles.com, and through wholesale and custom orders. REDF and Cushman Family Foundation grants helped build the workspace.
• Family Visitation Program Supervised visitations, transportation, and visit coaching for Child Welfare-involved families, following the Marty Beyer Family Visit Coaching curriculum to help parents learn about child development and parenting techniques through an interactive coaching model.

Quantifiable outcome

• Served 22,000-28,000+ individuals annually in San Diego County
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core, secondary and minor.

• County of San Diego HHSAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCounty of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency is a primary funder and partner. Home Start's programs are funded by the County of San Diego, including Communities in Action which is funded by County of San Diego HHSA and Live Well San Diego initiative.
• First 5 San DiegocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFirst 5 San Diego partners with Home Start to fund the First 5 First Steps program providing no-cost family support to expectant parents and families with young children throughout San Diego County.
• VITA/EITC (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with IRS-sponsored VITA program and Earned Income Tax Credit program. Home Start's tax program assists an average of 1,800 people annually through this partnership.
• Jacobs Center for Neighborhood InnovationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Communities in Action Hub is based inside the Jacobs Center in downtown San Diego, serving as a go-to resource center for families in need.
• YMCAsecondaryChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorYMCA provides referrals for the Housing Our Youth (HOY) program which supports at-risk Transitional Aged Youth in San Diego County.
• Sharia's ClosetminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for work wardrobe referrals through Communities in Action program, helping clients obtain professional clothing for employment.
• SDSU Fowler College of BusinessminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerStudent team from SDSU Fowler College of Business helped align marketing strategy, capture brand essence, communicate over social media, and launch e-commerce website for Bright Futures Candles.
• El Cajon Police Department HOT TeamminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHome Start's outreach team is part of El Cajon Police Department's Homeless Outreach Team (HOT), engaging with unhoused individuals throughout East County.
• CALTRANSminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHome Start's outreach team works with CALTRANS on street outreach and housing navigation services.
• Healthy Families San Diego CountysecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerFirst 5 First Steps program is offered in partnership with both First 5 San Diego and Healthy Families San Diego County.
• SDG&EminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSDG&E partnership for Energy Savings Assistance program (ESA), helping renters and homeowners qualify for free home upgrades.
• Small & Mighty MarketingminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerAgency partner handling influencer campaign logistics and creative connections for National Thrift Shop Day promotion.
• La Mesa HOME ProgramminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHome Start partners with La Mesa's Homeless Outreach Mobile Engagement team. Those enrolled can receive housing navigation and resources through the HOME program.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• SAY San Diego: San Diego-based nonprofit operating a similar portfolio of youth, family, and community-based prevention services. Direct comparable because both organizations deliver wraparound social services in the same San Diego market and compete for overlapping County HHSA and foundation funding.
• Jewish Family Service of San Diego: San Diego nonprofit delivering behavioral health, housing stability, refugee/immigrant family services, and case management. Directly comparable to Home Start because it shares the integrated family-services model, shares several funders (County, foundations), and the Home Start VP of Programs previously held senior roles there.
• San Diego Youth Services: San Diego nonprofit providing housing, behavioral health, and wraparound services for at-risk youth and transition-age youth. Comparable because it operates in overlapping Transitional Age Youth (TAY) housing and behavioral health segments as Home Start and competes for FYSB and CalOES funding.
• Voices for Children San Diego: San Diego Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) nonprofit focused on foster youth advocacy and representation. Comparable because it shares Home Start's child-welfare and foster-system engagement mandate, and both rely heavily on County of San Diego juvenile court and Child Welfare Services referrals.
• Catholic Charities San Diego: San Diego branch of a national faith-based nonprofit providing family, housing, refugee, and self-sufficiency services. Comparable because it competes for the same County HHSA, CalOES, and foundation funding pools serving low-income families across San Diego County.

Broad incumbents

• YMCA of San Diego County: Larger, established San Diego nonprofit providing youth, family, child care, and community programs. Comparable because it already partners with Home Start on TAY housing referrals, and competes broadly for youth-development and family-services funding in the same geography.
• Childhelp: National nonprofit focused on child abuse prevention, treatment, and advocacy, operating residential programs and the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline. Comparable to Home Start because it operates the same child-abuse-prevention mission at national scale and pursues overlapping federal funding streams (e.g., HHS/ACF).

Regional players

• Monarch School Project: San Diego nonprofit serving students impacted by homelessness through education and family wraparound supports. Comparable because it serves a similar homeless and in-crisis family population in San Diego and overlaps with Home Start's Maternity Housing and Communities in Action client base.

Others

• National Children's Alliance: National association and accrediting body for Children's Advocacy Centers responding to child abuse. Comparable as an ecosystem participant: Home Start's behavioral health and Family Visitation programs serve similar child-abuse cases and align with the CAC model.
• REDF: Social enterprise accelerator and investor backing employment-focused social enterprises serving people facing barriers to work. Directly comparable because REDF is already a current investor in Home Start's Bright Futures Candles social enterprise, making it both a partner and the most relevant peer for the social-enterprise segment of Home Start's model.

Market position

Strengths1 record

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/home.start.inc
• Instagraminstagram.com/homestartinc
• Xx.com/homestartinc
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/home-start-inc-

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles17 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Home Start