Home 1
The furnishing of Home 1 was sponsored by Gaby Federal, Jill Kantola and friends. Sponsorship means they covered all of the out-of-pocket costs of movers, brand new beds, the Starter Kit the family receives to keep them going until the furniture can be set up and any last minute items that aren't donated.
Rosa and her family live in Home 1. They were referred to us by North Marin Community Services. Rosa has five children, aged 4 months to 18 years. She works two jobs, as a housekeeper and caring for the elderly, while her mother, who lives nearby, tends to the baby.
Currently, she and her five children have to make do with one bedroom and a living room for sleeping quarters. As you can imagine, this puts a tremendous strain on the family. Rosa's goal is to expand her working hours so that her family can afford more living space.
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Walking through their newly decorated apartment, Rosa was overwhelmed. "Oh my gosh, thank you so much. We love it! God bless you all." She was happy to see that we had hung her own drapes that she loved, as she had asked us to do.
Her young daughter was especially in awe ... open-mouthed at all the special touches as she walked through her "new" home. When she saw her pink bed with a picture of ballerinas pirouetting beside her, she couldn't resist, jumping on the bed right away. The soccer pictures, too, were a huge hit with all the kids.
We are so grateful to Gaby Federal, Jill Kantola and friends for their very generous sponsorship in making the space the family shares so comfortable and colorful. It now really feels like a home.
Home 2
Aarya lives in Home 2; she was referred to us by Marin County Health and Human Services.
Aarya came to the U.S. about two years ago to begin what she believed would be a wonderful new life. She and her partner had a beautiful baby girl nine months ago but the relationship turned violent and abusive. Aarya felt she had to escape the highly dangerous situation, taking her daughter with her.
The baby’s father made false claims against Aarya and, as a result, gained custody of the baby. Fortunately, through the help of social services, Aarya was able to regain custody of her daughter and is now motivated to build the best life possible for the two of them. She works full time at a childcare center that allows her child to come with her.
When she is not working, Aarya enjoys cooking and baking. She plans to take college classes in the fall.
In sharing her story with us, Aarya expressed her heartfelt gratitude through the warmth of her beautiful smile. She was anxious to settle into a furnished space where she and her much loved little daughter can create a safe and healthy life together.
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Aarya’s reaction upon entering her newly furnished apartment was joyful and emotional. As she carefully moved through her fully furnished apartment, she noticed and commented on every detail from the wall art to the kitchen supplies and comfortable furniture.
She was brought to tears upon entering her little daughter's bedroom. There was a child’s bed, changing table, bookcase, personalized decorations, and toys. “You gave her a space filled with love, comfort, and joy. This is everything I dreamed of giving her but didn’t know how.”
When she saw her own bedroom glowing in soft pink, she said, “Oh, my dream bedroom! I never thought I would ever have this.”
Aarya repeatedly expressed her heartfelt appreciation to the volunteers and donors in a beautiful letter she sent to us that evening, “Thank you for blessing us with this new beginning. You gave me something I thought I had lost: hope. And for that I am endlessly grateful. Your kindness, generosity, and attention to every little detail have changed my life.”
Home 3
It’s been a long, hard road for Diana, who lives in Home 3. She was referred to us by Ritter Center. While living with and taking care of her ailing mother, Diana worked at a Pet Center and then as a receptionist at a lumber yard.
After her mother passed away, Diana had a series of medical problems, lost her job and became homeless. She lived on the streets for 10 years, suffering ongoing abuse. She was hospitalized after being kicked repeatedly, which resulted in permanent damage to her knee.
Things began to look up for her when she finally found housing but soon had to leave the apartment when black mold was discovered.
When we first met her, she had just moved into another apartment, for which she was very grateful and was now optimistic about her future, looking forward to a happier and healthier life. She has been making jewelry and selling her creations at craft fairs.
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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
Yolanda, her husband Manuel, their adorable 17-month-old daughter, along with Manuel's two younger brothers, were initially all living in one room. Through their combined efforts, they saved money for a deposit and finally found an apartment they thought would be more comfortable for their family.
Unfortunately, it turned out to be a scam and they were forced to leave suddenly. The family found themselves, once again, without housing. For a while, the young brothers were separated from the rest of the family while they lived in temporary locations, including a motel room.
Through the help of North Marin Community Services, Yolanda and her family were finally able to secure a two-bedroom apartment. Unfortunately, the only furnishings they had were an old, queen-sized mattress where mom, dad and baby slept and one twin mattress that the two young boys took turns sharing.
Manuel and his two brothers work as day laborers when they can find work. The boys are taking classes to learn English and enjoy playing soccer in their free time.
Yolanda finally felt that she has hope for the future with their new apartment – a place where they can be safe and comfortable and where her daughter will have room to grow. Most especially, she was looking forward to having a toddler bed so the little girl can finally have her own bed!
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The smiles captured in the pictures speak louder than words — this is more than furniture; it’s the gift of hope, dignity, and belonging, one family at a time.
You don’t have to imagine what it feels like to walk into a once-empty space now filled with warmth, beauty, and love; these photos reveal the heart of Welcoming Home.
When they opened the door, time seemed to stand still. Room by room, their dreams were reflected back to them ... thoughtfully, tenderly, unmistakably theirs.
In that moment, they weren’t just stepping into a furnished home, they were stepping into a future they could believe in. A burden eased, a heart lifted, a life forever changed.
