Home #1
Vicky and her two daughters are excited to be living together in their new apartment, Home 1. They were referred to us by Women’s Recovery Services.
Due to some unfortunate circumstances, Vicky was not able to have a home or have her youngest daughter with her for the last three years. Now she is thrilled to be able to have the stability of a home to raise her youngest in.
Vicky works as a counselor and house manager for a local social services agency and also volunteers at the Women's Recovery Services program. She loves her work and being of service to others.
Her oldest daughter has two jobs as well and between the two of them, after a year of saving, they were able to come up with the money to rent an apartment together. They have been in the apartment for a couple of months with almost no furnishings and the thought of having an actual home is a huge relief for them. They are thrilled that we can help create a home for their family.
THE RETURN
Vicky and her daughters were clearly thrilled as they wandered through their newly decorated apartment. Noting the many special touches and favorite colors, they repeatedly exclaimed "This is wonderful!" and "Oh, that's so cute. Thank you so very much." It was obvious they were truly grateful for all the wonderful donations and work that went into their new home.
Home #2
Larry is a charming, friendly guy who lives in Home 2. A few years ago, he was a masseur and part-time plumber, living with his partner. When they split up things started to go way downhill for him since the lease for the place they lived was in his partner’s name and Larry didn’t have the rent on his credit record. He lived in a homeless shelter for six months, then lived at “camp and ride” for a year. After that, he was in a tent and occasionally couch surfed at a friends’ house.
Now that he finally has a nice, small apartment, he’s looking forward to working part-time as a masseur and part-time at restaurant until he’s able to save up enough to have his own massage business. He describes himself as “very happy,” and when we first met him was already grateful for how the community was about to help him.
THE RETURN
You can see how thrilled Larry and his two, four-legged roommates, Bonnie and Clyde, were when they returned home. Larry has a special place in his heart for Lucille Ball because when he first came to this country, he learned English largely by watching "I Love Lucy." so now he can see her every day 😊.
A couple of days after we left, we got this message from him, "I love my place. Thank you very much. I can't find words to express it better. I still can't believe it every time I see my place. It's like a dream come true. 100 thank you's to everyone involved who made this happen on my behalf."
Home #3
Carrie & Dan recently moved out of a shelter and into Home 3. They were referred to Us by Catholic Charities of Santa Rosa. They have an 9 year-old daughter and two boys, ages 6 and 2.
The couple is so grateful for the opportunity to provide a safe and stable environment for the family. They are also working to rebuild relationships with family members.
The children are all very excited to be living across the street from a park and enjoy spending time on the playground as often as they can.
THE RETURN
Even before they walked inside to see their transformed house, Dad began thanking the volunteers: "We feel so lucky to have found this home and then to be referred to Welcoming Home. I'm so thankful..."
Big sister was thrilled with her room, the new art and school materials and, especially, her Harry Potter Magic Wand. We also provided a large purple macrame net to hang above the bed for all her stuffed animals; Dad will install it. The six-year old was shy at first but beamed when he saw his room with the fun new bed linens and pictures of his favorite themes: dinosaurs and trucks!
Mom was emotional, tearing up a couple of times. She sent a text afterwards thanking us again, noting how it really feels like a home now.