Home 1
Maria lives in Home 1 with her children; she was referred to us by Homeward Bound.
After ending an abusive relationship, Maria and her children lived in one room, then a shelter, and now, finally, a home of their own.
Maria worked at UCSF as a nursing assistant in the past and is currently a Home Caregiver. Her plans are to further her education and to become a physician's assistant.
The family feels a sense of peace now that they are in their own space and are grateful to those making this fresh start possible.
Return Home
Maria and her family had the biggest smiles when they walked though their "new" home. Each room got a chorus of "Thank yous!"
The two older children couldn't contain their excitement, asking if they could go upstairs to see their rooms. Their expressions spoke volumes as they explored their bedrooms filled with items donated especially for them. The 8-year-old beamed as she discovered the art supplies in her new desk, plus the unicorn art and stuffed animals!
Later that day, Maria sent us the following message: "My kids and I still can't believe how beautiful our new home looks! Forever grateful."
Home 2
Brianna and her 18 month old son are in Home 2; they were also referred to us by Homeward Bound.
Brianna has mostly been on her own since she was 14 years old--in and out of foster care - because of her mother’s personal struggles.
When she was old enough, she moved out of state and met her son’s father; unfortunately the relationship did not work out. She left that difficult situation, sleeping in her car or on friends’ sofas, slowly making her way back to the Bay Area and getting a bed in a shelter.
When her son was born, she was determined to give him a stable life and has worked very hard to make that happen.
Brianna is very grateful to the many people involved in helping her along the way to finally having her own apartment. The social workers who have helped her are very proud of her continued dedication in changing her life for the better. Her father and her aunt are in her son’s life and she hopes that one day soon her mother will be, too.
Return Home
Brianna noticed every single detail and was trying very hard to be stoic and not cry; her 18 month old son was flying around the apartment squealing with delight. On seeing his bedroom, he immediately sat himself on his chair at his table which he says is for his ‘work’!
Their reactions said it all and just make all the work so worth it. A sofa to sit on where they can watch TV together. Books to read to her son.
Brianna hugged the volunteers and said “Sincerely, thank you for all this, I am beyond grateful—it’s absolutely beautiful”.
Home 3
Juan and his son were referred to us by North Marin Community Services. They live in Home 3.
Their home was furnished thanks to the sponsorship of the Novotny Family. (Sponsorship means covering the cost of new beds, a moving truck, Starter Kit and any items not donated.)
Juan is a hard-working father who has always prided himself on being able to provide for his 12 year old son, even under the toughest circumstances. Since his son’s mother suffers from addiction, Juan needed to create a safe home for the two of them. After a tumultuous year, he moved into his new apartment with his son to start fresh.
The apartment is close to his work and his son’s school. It’s perfect, but it was also virtually empty.
Juan’s son loves basketball, reading, riding a bike and enjoys art and drawing. He is crushing it on the basketball court and is becoming a very talented artist.
Return Home
Sponsor Mike Novotny made the call to Juan and his son to tell them it was time to come home to their newly furnished apartment.
When they arrived, Juan and his son slowly walked into the room. A gigantic smile spread across Juan's face and he never stopped smiling the whole time. As he walked around the newly decorated space he repeated, over and over, ”Oh Wow, oh wow! I can’t believe this.”
A virtually empty apartment was now filled with furniture, art, plants and more. Every space had been touched and thoughtfully planned out: new beds, drapes and a desk for Juan’s son to do his homework and art - a place just for him. Not to mention brand new basketball sneakers for his new role on the basketball team.
Juan was so grateful; “Thank you so much, I never expected this! This is so nice!”
The Welcoming Home team and the Novotny family are honored to be part of this project to give Juan and his son a fresh start and a comfortable new place to call home.
Home 4
Elisa and Eduardo, in Home 4, were also referred to us by North Marin Community Services.
Elisa, Eduardo and family have been living in a bedroom of a friend’s apartment for the last two years.
Five months ago, they welcomed a beautiful boy into the family. In the fall, Elisa’s 4 year old son will be joining them, too. Eduardo has a 10 year old daughter who spends weekends with them. (She has placed first in her class for the last five years and plans to be an attorney!) Eduardo’s cousin also lives with them.
Eduardo works seven days a week, often 12 hours a day, as a chef. He is finally going to start having one day off. Elisa was a housekeeper but had to leave her job when the baby was born. She plans to return to full-time work as soon as she is able to make child-care arrangements.
They are thrilled to finally have a nice apartment instead of just a room, even thought they had no furniture. Before the furnishing of their place, they were already so grateful to the Marin community for helping to give them a real home.
Return Home
Exploring her newly furnished apartment, Elisa was overjoyed. She was thrilled to see her baby’s crib the new books, cuddle blankets, and toys. “Thank you so very much. I never dreamed I would ever live in a home so beautiful! I just can’t believe this! It is so beautiful!”
That evening Eduardo sent a heartfelt message: “I don’t know how to thank you for everything you have done for my family. Thank you very much.”