Home 1
Diana is a mom of two girls: Mila is 8 and Ava is 15. Their household also includes a small dog, King, and a cat named Sherlock. While the girls attend local schools, Diana works at another school in Marin. They were referred to us by North Marin Community Services
The family struggled with a non-responsive landlord in their last apartment. One of the bedrooms was especially contaminated with mold - so much so that Ava was hospitalized for related health issues.
The girls were sleeping on one sofa for the last few months (Ava is ready for her own room! It's a teenage girl thing, right?)
Diana and the girls feel blessed to be able to move into a clean, new space. Because they could not take much from their old apartment, Diana is immensely grateful for help in making their new empty apartment a safe and welcoming home.
BEFORE
BEFORE
BEFORE
BEFORE
BEFORE
Return Home
Diana and her girls were really excited to return to their apartment and see the home we turned it into. Mia (8) was particularly interested in the cat toys we added to the space! Ava (15) ran her hand across her new desk and said, "Thank you for this." The desktop included new art supplies since we learned she has a passion for art.
Diana was overwhelmed by the generosity of our donors; she was teary as she wandered through her new home. When she got to the primary bedroom she was delighted with the colors and furnishings we had installed.
Our volunteer team received many thank-yous and hugs.
Home 2
This lovely blended family includes Nora, a single mom, her two small daughters (ages 3 and 6) and her two sisters. There were referred to us by North Marin Community Services.
Originally from Guatemala, Nora was the victim of domestic abuse. After escaping this very difficult situation, she has been able to find an apartment big enough for these three strong women to live together.
They had no furniture to bring to their new home. When we asked, Nora’s first request was for a desk so that her kindergarten daughter would have a place to comfortably do her homework.
Mom will be sharing a bedroom with her young girls (we hope she likes princesses and pink as much as they do!).
Return Home
When the family returned home, they brought their parents who arrived to visit just that morning from Guatemala. Opening the door to their transformed apartment the whole group was totally open-mouthed to see what had been done while they were gone.
Walking from room to room, they stopped and tried to take in all the special touches the volunteers had added. They admired the desk for the girls (complete with art supplies and bilingual books), fluffy beanbags, plenty of much-needed storage for everyone’s belongings, the pretty bedding that completed each bedroom, and a perfectly sized green picnic bench that now sits invitingly next to the new outdoor patio table.
In addition, the kitchen was complete with a new microwave, toaster, kettle and blender - all that they hoped for!
Eyes shining with tears, the sisters hugged the volunteers and said "Thank you, thank you! We are so grateful for everything!"
Grandpa blessed the volunteers with a beautiful traditional Guatemalan prayer - the translator telling us: ‘The hands of the giver never return empty’.
Our hearts were full.
Home 3
For a long time, things were going well for Will, his wife Gloria, and their three children: a 9-year-old boy, 5-year-old girl and 2-year-old son.
They lived in a small but comfortable apartment until a major hardship struck: the unit below them caught fire and spread up to their apartment. Between the fire and smoke damage they lost everything. Luckily, they all escaped safely.
With nowhere to go, the family of five ended up in a one-room motel for months. Finally, last month they moved into a 1-bedroom apartment. It’s a new start, but it was completely empty. They had no beds, basic cookware, furniture or even a table where they could share meals.
After Parents Services Project referred the family us, Welcoming Home stepped in to help. With donations from our generous community, we created a comfortable, well-equipped home for the family so they can begin again.
Return Home
After a very long day of waiting, Will, Gloria and their three children returned to their newly furnished apartment. The children, all dressed up for the occasion, led the way. They knew it was a special day!
There was so much to take in: the new sofa, rugs, tables and chairs, art on the walls plus plenty of storage for everything. The kids could hardly wait to get to their bedroom. They eagerly stepped inside; the smiles on their faces said it all.
Each child now has a little place of their own with soccer balls for Anthony, a desk and art supplies for Lisa, and Spiderman toys for Alonzo.
Their father, Will, was overcome with tears and kept saying “Thank you, thank you - I can’t believe you did this all for us”. Gloria was emotional as well and filled with gratitude. She said, “Thanks to you all; we didn’t expect it to be this wonderful”.
Welcoming Home, along with Parent Services Project, was honored to help create a warm, welcoming new space where the family can truly feel at home.
Home 4
Jody and her 12 year old son Adam (who's almost the same age Jody was when she moved here!) were referred to us by Gilead House. Jody also has a 30-year-old son.
After spending much of her childhood moving from shelter to shelter, she eventually found her way to Marin when she was 12—a place that quickly became home through years of uncertainty and personal hardship.
She has spent decades building a life centered around caring for others, often moving and reshaping her own path to support the people she loves.
Jody’s experiences growing up instilled in her a deep compassion for children facing housing insecurity. This led her to work at Gilead House where she helps families navigate circumstances similar to her own. Outside of work, she teaches at a yoga studio, bringing the same sense of patience, grounding and care to her community.
Jody is ready to put down permanent roots in Marin after years of starting over for the sake of others. For her and her son, this home is more than stability—it’s a full-circle moment in the place that first made her feel safe.
Return Home
When Jody and her son Adam walked through the front door of their newly furnished home, their reaction was profound. They slowly took in each room, overwhelmed by the warmth, beauty, and care that had gone into creating a space just for them. What had once been an empty apartment was now a true home.
Adam couldn't contain his excitement. He raced to his room eager to explore every corner. His face lit up as he discovered his bedroom, complete with a new scooter. It was clear that, for the first time in a long time, he felt a sense of security and belonging.
Jody was equally moved. She paused often, taking it all in with tears in her eyes. She shared how she had never imagined having a home that felt so welcoming and peaceful, even texting later that evening, “It really feels like home. And I’ve learned A LOT! Just by seeing what you guys did! Thank you, thank you, thank you.”
