Home 1
Taylor is a resilient and creative young woman who spent three years in Marin Foster Care, from 10 to 13 years old. At that point, she was adopted by her grandmother in Oregon. When she was 16, her grandmother moved to Colorado; they parted ways and Taylor returned to Marin to live with her mother. After her mother passed away last May, she lost stable housing and local support.
Taylor is an avid reader, loves the outdoors and the ocean, and uses her passion for fashion with a side hustle on Depop, a thrifting clothing platform.
She is working toward getting her GED, planning to find local employment and is excited to move into her first apartment.
She was referred to us by TAY (Transitional Aged Youth) a program through Community Action Marin.
BEFORE
BEFORE
BEFORE
Return Home
When Taylor returned, it was a joy to see her face light up as she stepped in to her very first apartment and took in all of the details of each room.
She loved her ocean themed bathroom, the desk/vanity with lighted makeup mirror, the reading corner in the living room with the giant beanbag and bookshelves ... all this, a space just for her. Her smile says it all.
Home 2
Elisa is a devoted single mother of four who was previously employed full-time cleaning office buildings. When she unexpectedly lost her job, she did everything she could to keep her family stable, moving them into a small studio apartment with rent that fit within her limited budget. Sadly, shortly after settling in, a kitchen fire left their unit uninhabitable and the family lost all their belongings.
After staying with her mother for two months, the family was finally able to return home, but they are starting over with very little. With help from her family, Elisa was able to purchase one bunk bed, which is where all five family members had been sleeping.
Elisa has two sons, ages 14 and 10, who love soccer, especially Real Madrid, and anything Spiderman. Her 8-year-old daughter loves the color pink and all things princess-related. Her youngest son, just over a year old, keeps busy exploring their new home as toddlers do.
Elisa was referred to Welcoming Home through the Community Liaison at her older son's high school. She was hopeful that, with our support, her family would have a safe, stable, and comfortable home where her children can truly thrive.
Return Home
It was a moment of pure joy when Elisa and her four lovely children entered their newly furnished apartment. As they explored what had once been an empty studio, each child spotted something special selected just for them and beamed with excitement!
Elisa was overjoyed to see a new sofa for her family to snuggle on, along with a dining set and highchair so they can finally sit down and share meals together. She was also incredibly grateful for the much-needed storage items that will help keep their new home organized.
The awe on her face and the heartfelt note we received that evening showed the impact Welcoming Home and our donors made. “Thank you so much for all the help you provided and for your kindness. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you did for my family.”
The Welcoming Home team was honored to help create a warm, safe and loving space for this beautiful family.
Home 3
Tessa is a single mother of a 19-year-old boy and 5-year-old autistic son. A survivor of domestic abuse, Tessa became homeless and lived in shelters with her children.
With the support of Center for Domestic Peace and North Marin Community Services, she finally secured a safe home in January. However, the family had no furnishings, no pots to cook a meal, no beds for her or her children to sleep in; they had to sleep on the floor.
Welcoming Home quickly stepped in to give Tessa brand new beds and some basic household items to get started.
Return Home
When Tessa opened the door to her newly furnished apartment she couldn’t help but beam from ear to ear. She clutched her youngest son to her side and just stood in the doorway, motionless, taking it all in. “Thank you so much! This is more than I could have hoped for!”
What was once an empty space is now thoughtfully furnished — beds made, a couch calling, a table ready for shared meals, desks for homework time ...
It isn't just a house, it's a home — a fresh start made possible by Welcoming Home and the generous donors who gave household goods and furnishings so this family can build a promising, new future together.
Tessa, her two sons and the Welcoming Home Volunteers
Home 4
Theo was so grateful to now have an apartment of his own. It was full circle for him to come back to Fairfax, where he lived when he first moved to California 50 years ago.
He had been a carpenter and stained glass artist, living in Bolinas for many years. When his landlord died last year, he had to move out of the room he rented. Fortunately, a friend provided a small motor boat for him to live on at a dock; however, it was very cramped and subject to flooding; he lost items due to water damage in storms.
Community Action Marin was able to help Theo find housing and then referred him to Welcoming Home. With help from our generous community donors we were happy to transform his empty apartment into a comfortable home.
Return Home
It was such a pleasure furnishing this apartment for Theo. He was so appreciative throughout the whole process, saying that he felt really fortunate — like he'd "won the lottery." Adding what an amazing organization Welcoming Homes is. Upon seeing his newly decorated home for the first time, he was amazed. "Look at this! Unbelievable! I mean all this stuff I was sticking everywhere, now has an actual place to go. This is beautiful.”
He texted us immediately after we left to share his joy:
"You’ve given me everything I needed, as well as a bunch of things l hadn’t even thought of. Again, thank you so much for all that you’ve done for me. It’s now truly a home, both inviting and beautiful. I don’t know if I can ever thank you enough but I’m forever grateful."
He then sent us a handmade thank you card:
I certainly feel that i made it to that place where bluebirds fly. It’s like celebrating my 77th birthday a month early. With love, Theo
