Home #1
Home 1 was referred to us by North Marin Community Services.
The family (mom, dad and four children ages 20, 14, 9 and 3) fled Guatemala five years ago, escaping assault and harassment, and moved to Novato where they had relatives. They were all living in one bedroom until Dad found work so they could get their own place. They recently moved into a two bedroom apartment.
This lovely family is so excited to have a place of their own to call home!
When the family opened the door to their new home, six faces all grinned broadly. The three youngest members came in first; the delight on their faces was so heartwarming!
They rushed to see their new bedroom, excitedly picking up their new books and art supplies, admiring their new desk and whooping over their fun new bedding.
Although they speak very little English, the overwhelmed parents did their best to tell us how thrilled they were, giving us a two thumbs up, and insisting that we get into a photo with them so that they could remember this day. “Thank you, thank you!!”
Home #2
Home 2 is where Beth, Dan and their daughter Mary live; this is truly a fresh start for them. And we can’t forget Marvin, the big, sweet, four-legged member of the family! They were referred to us by North Marin Community Services.
Beth and Dan are Marin residents who lost everything in September when their dryer caught fire. With little financial resources, living in a local hotel for the last month has been difficult. They have now secured an apartment; we wanted to make it a warm, comfortable home for them. Both parents work locally and Mary attends a nearby pre-school.
Beth and Dan were delighted when they returned to their new home. The colors were soft and neutral, just as they had hoped for.
Beth exclaimed: "Thank you ... Thank you so much!" She was especially excited about the addition of her new kitchen island and the outdoor seating on the balcony. Mary just wanted to jump on the new bed. There was so much joy in welcoming this wonderful family to their new home.
Home #3
Gia and her family live in Home 3; they were also referred to us by North Marin Community Services.
The family moved from Guatemala to the US in 2015. After a traumatic start to their lives here, Gia and her 3 children, aged 21, 12, and 8, moved into an apartment, cobbling together furniture from the dump and what they found on the side of roads.
In spite of the rocky start, Gia's children are all bilingual and successful in school and work (the 21-year-old). They spend any free time at the local park playing with their little dogs. Her youngest son loves soccer and her daughter hopes to be a police officer.
Gia works for a local restaurant; her oldest son works for a nationwide company, contributing his salary toward the rent.
Gia's hopes are that her children will be happy and successful. For herself. Gia just wants more shifts at work.
Gia was thrilled with her new home. She beamed as she looked around.
Her young son was so excited... "I can't believe it" he exclaimed as he clambered up to look at his special soccer comforter. And when we told him the desk was for him, he asked "For me? Really?!"
The daughter was thrilled with her room, too. The 21-year-old even let the kiddos look in his room. He loved his desk and dresser. In Spanish Gia said, ‘It is so beautiful. I can’t believe it. You are angels. May God bless you.”
Home #4
Sheila and her 83-year-old mother, Melanie, were referred to us by Marin Housing Authority; they live in Home 4.
Several years ago, Sheila experienced two devastating losses. Although deeply depressed, she somehow found the strength to continue working as a merchandiser for a retail store in Marin.
Unfortunately, the store was not able to survive the COVID-19 pandemic, and Sheila lost her job. With no income to pay her rent, she began living in her car. During these years, Sheila learned that her mother had been diagnosed with dementia. To make matters worse, Melanie fell and broke her hip. Sheila realized that she would have to make every effort to get back on her feet to support her mother and herself.
Once again, Sheila mustered the strength to carry on. She found a job and received financial assistance in locating an apartment for the two of them. Now, with help from Welcoming Home, a new chapter begins for Sheila and Melanie. They realize that challenges lie ahead, but they look forward to living a stable life together in a comfortable home where they can support and care for each other.
“This is just so amazing! I can’t believe this is my home! It is so beautiful! I don’t know how to thank you!” Sheila repeated many times as she explored her newly furnished apartment. So overcome with joy and gratitude, Sheila cried several times as she toured each new room.
She was thrilled to see her bedroom decorated in greens and blues, her favorite colors, and was excited to have a new TV and tea kettle!
Sheila’s precious furry companion, was also very happy to have her first very own bed!
Melanie, unfortunately, was unable to be there as she is still recovering from her hip injury. Sheila is eager to bring her mother home. “This is so my mom! She is just going to love it!” We look forward to when mother and daughter are together again in their warm and beautiful new home.