Home #1: Gary

Gary is in his sixties. His father was physically very abusive, once breaking every bone in Gary's face when he was just nine years old. He ran away from home when he was 12.  

As an adult, Gary worked for the same construction company for 30 years. He was a great worker and loved every minute of it until he seriously hurt his shoulders. The resulting surgeries were botched, rendering him disabled.

He’s been living in his truck for the last nine years. He tried for the housing lottery about twenty-five times until finally scoring his apartment. When we first visited him, he said he was so happy to have a roof over his head, even though the apartment was virtually empty.

Gary's living room was bare bones. Now he has a cozy place to hang out and listen to 60's rock music, with his own collection of framed album covers. 

Soon after Catholic Charities found this home for Gary, we visited him to measure and plan for furnishing his new space.  We chatted in what is now his "new" dining room, complete with a lovely dining table for when friends visit.  

For the first week in his apartment, Gary had a rollout pad on a cot to sleep on. After our initial visit, we quickly arranged for the delivery one of our 'starter kits' -- including a new mattress, box springs, sheets and pillow. With your additional donated items on Welcoming Day, volunteers converted the space into a handsome bedroom.

A special Welcoming Home surprise - a gift basket created by one of our artsy volunteers - greeted Gary upon his arrival home. 

When Gary first entered his newly furnished home, he was amazed. "I never thought it would look like this," he said. Then we got one of the best compliments ever, "This is badass!" he said. He and Yogi took their places on their new hangout spot for a final picture.

Home #2: Elsa

Elsa and her children (aged 6, 3 and 2) recently moved into Home 2.  For five years, Elsa experienced domestic violence; eventually escaping with her three young children. She initially stayed with her mother but had to leave because the apartment had a limit on the number of inhabitants. Next, they stayed in a shelter until Catholic Charities helped her find housing. She and the kids are thrilled to finally have their own safe place.

Elsa works full time as a cashier at a gas station. She will go back to school to finish her high school diploma in the fall semester; she plans to get an AA degree that will allow her to pursue her dream of being a physician’s assistant. Elsa told us she chose that career so she can help people in a similar way to how she's been helped. She wants to “be there for people,” she said, like they were for her. 

Volunteers outfitted the kitchen with small appliances, utensils, dinnerware and cookware. They carved out a dining nook where  the family can now gather for meals.

Elsa is delighted with her new bedroom, which she shares with her 2-year old toddler. Her "corner" is serene, with ample light and coordinated art and linens. Her little boy's area is cheery and safe for him and his favorite cuddle toys.

The two girls, (6 and 3) now share this bright, cheery bedroom. They each have different favorite characters, which were incorporated into their separate spaces. The little wicker desk will be a great place for doing homework and art projects.

In the left photo: a new welcome mat, a tray to help tote packages from the car to the front door and .. note the cool bike gifted by one of our donors; the kids were thrilled to receive it!  On the right are four of our phenomenal  volunteers who worked so well together to make this transformation happen. 

The children were so excited when they saw their new home. At each bed, they scrambled up to check out the goodies awaiting them! The Mom had tears in her eyes when she saw how happy they were.

Home #3: Maria

Maria and her two pre-teen daughters had just moved into their new home. Maria endured 14 years of escalating domestic violence, which often required medical attention. She even reported her husband to the police but no action was taken. When her husband tried to abuse her daughters, she immediately took the girls and fled.

The sisters are bright and talented. They used to take free clarinet, violin and piano lessons when they lived in another state but have not been able to continue here in Sonoma County due to the expense. They both are also soccer stars; they hope to be able to continue when the season starts.

Maria is a caregiver at a senior facility. She receives rave reviews from her clients, their families and from her employer because of her caring personality and upbeat spirit.

Moving quickly from another state with only what they could pack in their car, Maria and her daughters had virtually nothing when they moved into their apartment. This living room is now complete, thanks to your donations of gently used, good quality furniture.

Here's another view at some of the additional furnishing our donors provided. It's now a cozy and welcoming space.

Here are two more "after" photos. Note the cool and colorful dining room set and art work that now fill their home. The kitchen is well stocked and ready for meals they can all prepare together.

The brand new mattresses and sheets (left) are part of our "starter kits'; they were delivered right after the family moved into their home. Then, on Welcoming Home day, we were able to "pop' the room with donated colorful bedspreads, shams, additional furniture, and framed art.