Home 1
Dominic and Esther, along with their three sons, were referred to us by North Marin Community Services.
Dominic immigrated from Mexico several years ago to build a better life. He found employment as a cook, working hard while living in his car until he could rent a room. He soon met his wife, and they eventually moved into a one bedroom apartment and began a family. However, Dominic became ill and was out of work for some time, causing the family to become homeless. Both he and Esther are now employed in the restaurant business again.
They are grateful to finally have a real home with space for the entire family along with a backyard where the boys can practice their soccer moves. The furnishing of this home was generously sponsored by the Alafi foundation.
Return Home
Upon their return, the family was all smiles, “This is so beautiful!” they said over and over again, as they walked from room to room. The boys were excited to see the new soccer ball and rebounder and even a place outdoors where the entire family could gather!
We later received a thank you card saying how appreciative they were of the attention to every single detail in their home and that they were grateful for all the kind people who made this happen.
Welcoming Home, and the family, are so grateful for the sponsorship of the furnishing of this family's home by the Alafi Foundation.
Home 2
Carmelita, a single mom with three children, was referred to Welcoming Home by North Marin Community Services.
After leaving a longtime abusive relationship, Carmelita struggles and works hard to overcome the resulting emotional damage. She has established a new sense of independence and confidence after earning her Criminal Justice Certification. She is now actively searching for a job in probation or women’s and children’s services.
As a devoted mother, her children’s and her own physical health are a priority for Carmelita. For that reason, she is dedicating a space in her new home to strength training and meditation.
With assistance from Welcoming Home and our donors, Carmelita and her children look forward to beginning the next phase of their lives in a safe, comfortable, and happy home environment.
Return Home
When Carmelita walked into her newly furnished home, she was moved to tears and continually expressed her gratitude to the Welcoming Home volunteers and donors for providing a space that she and her children “Can really call a home.”
She and her three children were thrilled with their rooms that had been decorated with personal touches to reflect their unique personalities and interests. Her three-year-old daughter's room is now known as “Hello Kitty Land.”
The smiles on their faces and tears of joy brought added warmth to their new home.
Home 3
Elizabeth was referred to us by North Marin Community Services.
When we met Elizabeth, we were instantly drawn to her warmth and strength. She shared the tragic story of her family’s time living in New York and the day she learned about the abuse her children experienced at the hands of a family member.
Elizabeth's bravery in this situation is undeniable, having to leave in the middle of the night with her two children, aged 11 and 5. They left with only the clothes on their backs and are now back in the Bay Area where Elizabeth grew up.
Having a house where her children are safe and can start to rebuild their lives has been a dream for Elizabeth.
Her daughter loves to create art and Elizabeth hopes to be able to bring this spark back in her. Her son loves all things superheroes, cars, and New York sports teams (we’re going to have to get him on the Dubs, Niners, Giants train!).
We were thrilled to have the opportunity to make their house truly feel like home - a safe, happy place for them to heal and rebuild.
Return Home
When Elizabeth and her children walked into their new space, they were so excited; they couldn't believe that this sanctuary was theirs! The five year old boy immediately began playing with his surprise gifts. His sister posed proudly in her new room.
They are all incredibly grateful; it made us so happy to be able to contribute to creating a safe and beautiful home for them.
Very special thanks to Mt. Tam United Methodist Church for funding and delivering the Starter Kit of necessities to this family to keep them going until their place could be fully furnished.
Home 4
Richard was also referred by North Marin Community Services. He is a peaceful man with a love of nature. Richard has lived a full life in many places but was drawn to the Bay Area, in part because of the eucalyptus trees.
Though he has a work history in construction, he fell on hard times. Not quite being able to crawl out of it, he became homeless. After years of effort to improve his credit score, he was finally able to get housing and is incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have a safe and stable place in which to live and where he can welcome his daughter, who he hopes will visit.
Return Home
Richard walked in and was immediately overwhelmed. His "new" home far exceeded his expectations. He kept saying "It's perfect. Just perfect." Eventually, he sat down. With a huge smile and tears in his eyes, he thanked us over and over again. He said he felt listened to and that the space had clearly been personalized just for him.
One of his favorite small touches was the wood carved walking stick that a thoughtful volunteer had picked out just for him. He loves to walk, but it can sometimes be a struggle for him. This special gift was a way to support him, both inside and outside of his home.
