Hoag Honored as Families Forward’s 2026 Partner in Hope

This recognition celebrates nearly two decades of partnership supporting local families and building brighter futures

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. (Aug. 29, 2026) — Hoag has been honored as Families Forward’s 2026 Partner in Hope, recognizing the health system’s almost two-decade partnership with the Orange County nonprofit to support local families experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity. 

Hoag was recognized at Families Forward’s annual Light Up the Night Gala on Aug. 29 at Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort. Through a longstanding partnership between Hoag’s Melinda Hoag Smith Center for Healthy Living and Families Forward, Hoag has provided vulnerable families with housing support services, financial assistance, and resources to create pathways to stable housing.   

“This recognition is really a celebration of partnership,” said Minzah Malik, Executive Director of Community Health at Hoag. “At Hoag, we understand that when basic needs like food and housing are not being met, health often does not become a priority. This past year, we partnered with Families Forward to bring housing navigation services on-site, making it easier for families to access the support and resources they need. Watching our teams work side by side to help families navigate challenges, remove barriers, and move toward stability has been incredibly meaningful. We are proud to stand alongside Families Forward in this important work and look forward to continuing to help families thrive.” 

Philanthropists and community members gathered at the event to support Families Forward’s 40-year mission of preventing and ending family homelessness. The need to support this initiative is significant, with 27,000 school-aged children experiencing homelessness in Orange County.  

Learn more about Hoag’s Melinda Hoag Smith for Healthy Living and Families Forward.