Home 1
This family was referred to us by Catholic Charities of Santa Rosa. The furnishing was sponsored by a family who wished to remain anonymous.
Neal and Mary have an 11-year-old daughter. The have been struggling with homelessness most of their adult lives. Mary immigrated from Mexico; Neal's family has been in the area for many generations. They both turned their lives around some time ago and are now building a safe and stable life for their daughter.
The couple studied hard to become certified Peer Support Counselors; both are now employed in that field, helping people with mental health challenges. This allows them to work with others who have been where they had been, share their stories, and help others turn their lives around.
They waited a long time to have a place of their own and they have finally achieved that. They are very grateful to live in a community that helped turn their empty apartment into a cozy home.
Return Home
The family had big smiles and tears of joy as they walked through their new home.
Mary said “I always wanted a home but could never afford to make it happen".
Neal read the beautiful artwork featuring inspirational quotes and was all hugs with his family, saying, “Dreams do come true."
Home 2
Cynthia was referred to us by The Living Room. She was living in a shelter and is thrilled to move into her own space.
A few years ago, after being in a serious accident, she became disabled due to an injury to her arm. At that point, her boyfriend essentially kicked her out.
Fortunately, she was able to connect with The Living Room; they assisted her with finding housing. The organization also provided her with a support group, classes and other social services.
She is now back on her feet and ready for the next chapter of her life.
Return Home
Cynthia was so thrilled with her new home!
When she entered her apartment after we furnished it, she was all smiles. “How did you make it exactly as I wanted? It’s more than I could have imagined.”
Welcoming Home is very thankful to Marion Weinreb, The Living Room Board member and advocate for the Sonoma County homeless, who sponsored the furnishing of Cynthia's home, and also personally helped in setting it up that hot May afternoon, making it possible to provide a warm and inviting home for Cynthia.
From Welcoming Home
Please consider sponsoring a Welcoming with your group, church, school, etc. Find more information here or contact us at info@welcominghome.org
We are so grateful to the two sponsors who funded the high-cost items of the two Welcomings and to our generous donors, who contributed furniture and household goods. It truly takes a village and we are so thankful for this one.
With much gratitude,
The Welcoming Home Team