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Maria lives in Home 1 with her three children; she was referred to us by Homeward Bound. Her oldest son is 17 years old and loves anime, Spiderman, Legos, and reading “scary stories.” Her eight year old daughter loves unicorns, artwork, and Junie B books. The youngest is a four month old son with the biggest smile and positive attitude, just like his Mom. After ending an abusive relationship, Maria and her children lived in one room and then a shelter, and now, finally, a home of their own. They all feel a sense of peace and are grateful to those making this fresh start possible. 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 physicians assistant.

Brianna and her 18 month old son are in Home 2 and were also referred to us by Homeward Bound. She has more or less 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 to be on her own, she moved out of state and met her son’s father but 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 this happen. She 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.

Juan and his son were referred to us by North Marin Community Services. They live in Home 3. Juan is a hard-working father who had always prided himself on being able to provide for his 12 year old son, even under the toughest circumstances. Because 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 near his work and close to his son’s school. It’s perfect, but it is 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. We hope to give him his own space so he can continue to explore his creative interests and thrive. Help us make Home 3 a warm, inviting and comforting place for Juan and his son to call home.

Elisa and Eduardo, in Home 4, were also referred to us by North Marin Community Services.  Their home is being 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.) Elisa, Eduardo and family have been living in a bedroom of a friend’s apartment for the last 2 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. But they have no furniture. They are already so grateful to the Marin community for helping to give them a real home.