Home 1
Ana, Felipe and their 2 children, Felix (19) and Yolanda (13), were referred to us by North Marin Community Services.
Ana and her family moved to Marin from Peru three years ago. Felipe is a chef and Ana has been working as a housekeeper. They shared their previous home with two other families; it wasn't a space for the them to thrive.
When the family was able to move into their new one-bedroom home, the first thing they did was scour second hand stores to find a table and chairs so they could gather for meals every day and talk about their experiences and challenges.
Both children are in school and thriving. Ana is taking English classes and is hoping to work with her husband in the restaurant when her English has improved.
When we asked Ana about her five-year goals for her children, she said she wanted them to continue to do well in school and to appreciate each other and the importance of family.
BEFORE
BEFORE
BEFORE
Return Home
When the family arrived home, Mom Ana came in first, "How beautiful!" she said.
Their apartment is now a cozy home filled with rugs, furniture, comforters, pillows and art — all donated by our generous Marin community. Additionally, a couple of donors gifted some special items for the two teens.
We got a big thumbs up when the daughter Yolanda discovered baking equipment and a Peruvian dessert recipe book. Felix was very excited when he saw a poster, pennant and cup and book related to his favorite soccer team: FC Barcelona.
"Thank you, thank you!" and strong hugs between the volunteer team and the family was a perfect way to end our busy day.
Home 2
Natalie and her family were referred to us by North Marin Community Services. Originally from Mexico, they have lived in the U.S. for over twenty years.
Just three days before Christmas, a devastating apartment fire took everything from this single mother and her two teenaged sons. Fortunately, they were able to escape safely, but lost all of their belongings.
Natalie supports her family as an In-Home Support Services caregiver for an elderly client. Her older son is almost 17 years old, a junior in high school. He takes AP classes and plays Lacrosse. Her 15-year-old son is autistic, attends special day programs and receives regular therapy at home.
With the help of North Marin Community Services, they have moved into a new apartment but were starting over without furniture, beds or basic household items.
Despite the tragedy, the family is working hard to rebuild and create a sense of home again.
Return Home
"Stunned," when it comes to a Welcoming Home reaction, is a good thing!
Natalie and her boys were overwhelmed by how different their apartment looked. After having lost all their belongings in a fire just before Christmas, the transformation of their new apartment was more than they could have hoped for.
The older son now has a desk and a whiteboard for homework assignments. The living room has comfortable seating and lots of storage. The old borrowed sofa is gone. The bathroom now includes bars where they can hang their towels - it's the little things! Plus, they can now sit outdoors and relax in their private space, free from little wild four legged visitors.
Natalie and the boys are so grateful!
Home 3
Cecilia is a single mother of three. They were referred to us by Homeward Bound of Marin.
In 2023, Cecilia was in a very serious car accident that resulted in weeks of hospital recovery and periodic seizures that will likely challenge her for the rest of her life.
Unable to work, Cecilia and her children were soon evicted from their apartment and sadly, due to a lack of storage, lost most of their modest belongings. Although Cecilia was able to move in with a friend for the past year, the situation was not sustainable and once again she and her children found themselves without a home. Thankfully, Cecilia was referred to Homeward Bound; through the good work of her caring case manager she was finally able to secure a place to live.
With much relief, Cecilia can now concentrate on taking care of her children as she focuses on getting strong enough to go back to work as a healing therapist.
Although Cecilia was extremely grateful for this opportunity to get her life back in order, her family’s possessions were few. To this end, Welcoming Home was honored to assist Cecilia in the creation of a warm living environment that she could call her own.
Return Home
Cautiously, Cecilia and her children entered their newly furnished apartment. At first, the family just stood quietly taking it all in. Once they had a moment to catch their breath, each quickly became filled with gratitude as they toured their new living space. Comments like, “This is just so amazing...” and “Can you believe we actually live here..” were repeated over and over again.
Relieved to no longer have to sleep on an air mattress in the living room, Cecilia was beyond appreciative of her new sofa bed. When Michelle (age 15) saw her bedroom, she said “Oh my God, do I really have a lamp now?!"
With hand on heart Cecilia said how grateful she was to finally live in a place that felt like a home and how touched she was that we were mindful to honor her request to use calming shades of blue throughout. As Kile, Celine’s 19-year-old son put it, “You guys did a crazy good job!”
Home 4
Laura recently secured housing after many difficult and often unsafe living situations. She previously tried living with roommates but those arrangements repeatedly became unhealthy and unstable. Eventually, she was forced to live in her car.
While navigating ongoing health challenges, Marin Health and Human Services was able to help her secure a room. She is grateful to have a space of her own and shared that she finally felt safe.
Return Home
Laura was delighted when she walked into her newly furnished apartment. She was all smiles and commented several times how good it would feel to finally be able to move her things from trash bags into the closet, drawers and shelves!
“I feel like a weight was lifted off me,” she said. she had scoured on line resources for furniture and the like, but didn't have the means to buy them or vehicle to pick them up.
Laura was so appreciative of all that we — thanks to our generous community — had created for her. A few days after the "Welcoming," we received this text from her ... "Just wanted to reach out and say I am so grateful for you all — my space is so nice. I am so happy! Thank you, thank you!"
