Home 1
Roberta’s family was referred to Welcoming Home by their North Marin Community Services social worker, who has known the family for quite some time.
Roberta is severely disabled and is struggling with two serious diseases which have left her unable to work. Frequent appointments are her only opportunities to be away from her new townhouse, which has been virtually empty due to extenuating circumstances.
Roberta’s illness has been debilitating since her two teenaged children, Rosalie and Oliver, were very young. Now 17 and 18, they help care for their mother and offer as much support as they can while they both attend local community colleges.
Welcoming Home has provided a special adjustable bed for Roberta; she was sleeping on a mattress on the floor until just recently. Now she will be able to raise and lower the head and foot of the bed to provide pain relief for her conditions and to get from her bed to her wheelchair more comfortably so she can engage with her children and visitors.
Home 2
David is a Marin native. He was referred to us by Homeward Bound of Marin, a wonderful organization that has connected us with many families in need; David is no exception.
He is a thoughtful and caring man, who is sadly a victim of domestic violence and mental abuse from a volatile relationship; this happens to men, too.
He played football in high school as a linebacker and running back, which meant he was on the field most of the game. He continued playing in college, getting his associate degree, then played semi-pro for a while.
He has a 10-year-old daughter and a 6-year-old son, who are his pride and joy. His face lit up when he showed us their photos. He is a really positive and forward looking person, despite everything he has endured and says he can’t thank Homeward Bound enough for their amazing support with his apartment search. David is beyond grateful for all their help.
He is taking online classes with a plan to pursue a career as a firefighter. He would be an amazing asset there!
David was keeping the Welcoming Home furniture installation a surprise for the kids and we were very committed to giving them everything they deserve.
Return Home
When David arrived at the door and could see over the top of our volunteers' heads, he exclaimed, "Oh, I don't believe it"!
Totally overcome, David, along with his mom (whom he'd invited because, as he admitted, he was nervous to see the results!) went from room to room, teary eyed as the volunteers showed him all the new pieces that they'd set up for the family. "How did you do this...the colors, the art...everything?!" It's perfect, I wouldn't change a thing."
After insisting on hugging each and everyone who had helped that day, David just shook his head in amazement. "I don't know many more words for "thank you", so I'm just going to keep saying it!"
Home 3
Tina and her family were referred to us by North Marin Community Services (NMCS).
Raised in Marin, Tina has known poverty all her life. Moving from one home to another, due to her parent's financial instability; an unstable home life was the norm for Tina.
Sadly, when she was 16, her father died. One year later, Tina became the sole caretaker for her mother, who had been diagnosed with breast cancer. Still, Tina was able to graduate from high school and for a time attended College of Marin, taking nursing courses.
With the return of her mother's breast cancer, Tina again became sole caretaker. Without the guidance that is so crucial in early adulthood, her goal of becoming a nurse became too overwhelming; Tina turned to working part-time jobs. She went on to have three children, who she loves dearly but the cycle of instability was, once again, looming.
Thankfully, through the support and caring guidance of her social worker at NMCS, Tina found a home that will give her the ability to provide a stable environment for her children. As she puts it, she "finally has a moment to breathe." Tina knows that now her dream of going back to school and becoming a nurse is attainable and, with one foot in front of the other, it can become her reality.
Return Home
Walking towards the front door of her newly furnished home, Tina briefly closed her eyes, took a deep breath and entered. "This is just amazing," she quietly repeated. "Everywhere I turn I see thoughtful details that I cannot believe."
As her gaze went from taking in her new environment to observing her children run excitedly from room to room, she held back tears. “I am completely floored and speechless,” Tina said. “Thank you for making my house a home; this is the biggest blessing I have ever received from a group of strangers and I can't thank you enough.”
The following evening, Tina took a moment to send us a text, letting us know that she and her family were eating their first meal at the new kitchen table. As she put it “ I just can not believe this is real”
Home 4
Max, a friendly, and resilient 51-year-old was referred to us by Ritter Center.
When he was a small child, Max and his family moved from Barbados to the Midwest where he grew up. As an adult, he proudly worked as a chef in St. Louis and Chicago. Eventually, he moved to California, seeking new opportunities.
After a series of unexpected and difficult experiences, Max became unemployed and unhoused. With assistance from social services, he found a place to live and found work as a cook in a senior living facility.
Just when life was going “pretty good” for Max, an apartment fire destroyed all his furniture and personal belongings. Determined not to give up, he once again sought the support needed to help him get back on his feet.
He is grateful for the generosity and encouragement he’s been given. He looks forward to settling into a furnished home that allows him to relax and pursue his interests, which include cooking, bicycling, music, nature and, most importantly, caring for his sweet canine companion Precious.
Return Home
As Max stood on the balcony of his new apartment, he said, “I so appreciate everything you are doing for me. I may have lost everything in the fire but I am blessed to be alive and to be surrounded by such wonderful people and natural beauty.
