Once again, Marin Country Day School generously sponsored another annual Welcoming Home for a formerly homeless family. Sponsorship means covering the cost of movers, new mattresses/beds, Starter Kits and any items that aren't donated.

This was truly a "hands-on" Welcoming," where 21 teachers/staff and five departments/ teams donated tables, seating, kitchen and bathware, bedding and more. Then, on the day of the welcoming, they installed everything in the apartment while the family was away for a few hours.

 The family they helped was Cristina, her husband, and their baby.

Family Story

Cristina, born in Guatemala, is one of five children. Trained as a preschool teacher, she couldn't get work in her hometown after the pandemic. A year and a half ago, she and her family made sacrifices to put together the $15,000 needed for her to migrate alone to the US, where she stayed in Marin with an acquaintance from their village. Unfortunately, this man was physically abusive and ultimately denied her access to the apartment.

Not knowing anyone else to ask for help, Cristina spent several months living on the street. After a very difficult time, she met Gregorio, fell in love and eventually moved in with him. She was able to get a job at a local fast food restaurant.

When they became pregnant, she lost her job and their landlord kicked them out. Although both the firing and the eviction were illegal, but the couple didn't realize this. So, without recourse, they ended up living in their car with their new baby for another several months.

Thankfully, they recently connected with North Marin Community Services, and were able to secure a one bedroom apartment (coincidentally in the same complex as the last family MCDS sponsored!)

When we met them, they had just a few borrowed pieces of furniture: a broken sofa bed that Lucás sleeps on, two chairs and and a lamp. Cristina and Gregorio had been sleeping on the floor.

Even with all their challenges, they had been been happily living in their virtually empty new apartment while Cristina works at another fast food restaurant and Gregorio interviews for work.

MCDS brought them the Welcoming Home starter kit with dishes, cookware, towels, bedding and a folding table and chairs.  They also provided a crib with a new mattress and linens.

As an added special touch, a MCDS staff member who is a photographer took a family portrait while

Cristina's training in education and child development was evident spending time with them. She is so patient and affectionate with Lucás and has the kind of humor one needs with an active baby, especially all that she has been through.