Two Welcomings Generously Sponsored by the Nativity of Christ Greek Orthodox Church
Thanks to a very generous donation by the Nativity of Christ Greek Orthodox Church in Novato, two individuals had the furnishing of their homes sponsored by the church in October. Welcoming Home is so grateful to the church for being a sponsor again this year. To learn more about sponsorship, contact us here
Home 1
Humberto, a single, friendly, and resilient man in his sixties lives in Home #1. He was referred to us by Ritter Center.
When he was a young child, Humberto moved from Puerto Rico to New York where he lived and grew up with his mother. As a young adult, he was the victim of gun violence at the local convenience where he worked. He was shot in both of his legs and has never fully recovered from that horrific experience.
After he regained the use of his legs, he was hired and worked for many years as a truck driver. Following the job opportunities, he traveled and lived in several different states. Eventually, he moved to California, where he “plans to live forever.”
After a series of unexpected and difficult experiences, including the death of his mother, followed by the death of his wife, Humberto became unemployed, unhoused and very depressed. He also developed serious health issues which greatly limited his ability to work and properly take care of himself. His acute health issues continue to impact his functioning and limit his mobility.
Getting the support he needs, Humberto is determined to enjoy life to the fullest. He is extremely 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 and rooting for his favorite football team. He now proudly considers himself to be a 49er Faithful!
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“Overjoyed” understates the excitement expressed by Humberto as he entered his newly furnished apartment. He carefully studied and touched each piece of furniture and decorative item with tearful appreciation. He noticed every detail from the wall art to the 49ers-themed décor in his kitchen and the blackout curtains in his bedroom.
When he realized that his new living room chair was an electric recliner that he could control, he just couldn’t believe it! He raised his legs, lowered his back, oohed and aahed. Besides its comfort, he was extremely grateful to now be able to elevate his legs when they need relief.
Humberto’s repeated expressions of sincere thankfulness for the volunteers and donors, who made his apartment a home, were beyond heartwarming. His warm mile-wide smile and tears of joy just said it all.
Volunteers Camille Madfes and Laurie Weatherford with Humberto
Home 2
Home 2 is where Megan lives; she was referred to us by Episcopal Community Services of San Francisco.
Megan spent the past eight years living on her boat anchored in Richardson Bay. At first, life on the water felt like an adventure. But over time, she discovered that many of the people living on boats nearby were not trustworthy, which made daily life difficult. Just getting to work as a housekeeper or picking up groceries meant rowing to shore and rowing back with supplies. Eventually, her boat was vandalized and began to slowly sink. Despite her best efforts to keep it afloat, she was forced to sell it to the marina.
Since then, Megan has endured a challenging year, moving between hotels and her car, always with her two beloved dogs by her side. Now, she is overjoyed to finally have a place of her own - a safe, stable home where her grandchildren can visit, her dogs can rest, and she can truly relax.
For Megan, having a home is more than shelter; it is the promise of peace, family, and a fresh start.
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When Megan came through the door with her daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter she said “we were all trying to guess what it was going to look like but we couldn’t imagine it would be like this!”
She loved the nod to all of the water in the beach pictures after living out on Richardson Bay for eight years on her boat. She had told us she liked bright colors and was happy to see that we heard he and when she saw her bed, she said those were her very favorite colors!
Megan was so overwhelmed by all there was to take in she cried tears of joy.
Megan with her granddaughter
Left to right:
Angie, representing our generous sponsor - the Nativity of Christ Greek Orthodox Church of Novato, volunteer Simone Adams, Megan with her granddaughter, volunteers Janet Steele, her daughter Lily Steele and Kathleen Murphy.
About Sponsored Welcomings
"Sponsorship" means paying for the brand new mattresses, box springs and frames; the cost of the movers; the Starter Kit of necessary items that the individual or family needs in the short term, and any needed items that aren't donated. To enable us to help more people, we need more organizations, groups of friends, schools, etc. to sponsor Welcomings.
Click here or contact info@welcominghome.org for more information.