2/08/2025 – Welcoming Event – Marin County

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Roberta’s family was referred to Welcoming Home by their social worker at  North Marin Community Services, who has known the family for quite some time, they live in Home 1.  Roberta is severely disabled and is struggling with two serious diseases, which have left her unable to work at all.  Frequent appointments are her only opportunities away from her new townhouse, which is virtually empty due to circumstances that remain private. Roberta’s illness has been debilitating since her two teenaged children, Rosalie and Oliver, were very young. At ages 17 and 18, they help care for her, and offer as much support as they can while they both attend local community colleges. Welcoming Home has provided a special adjustable bed for Roberta, who was sleeping on a mattress on the floor until just recently. Now she will be able to raise and lower the head and foot of the bed to provide pain relief for her conditions and to get from her bed to her wheelchair more comfortably so she can engage with her children and visitors.

David, a Marin native, lives in Home 2. He was referred to us by Homeward Bound of Marin, who has connected us with many deserving families and David is no exception. He is a thoughtful and caring man who is sadly a victim of domestic violence and mental abuse from a volatile relationship – this happens to men too. He played football in high school as a linebacker and running back, which meant he was on the field most of the game! He continued playing in college, getting his associate degree, then played semi pro for a while. He has a 10 year old daughter and a 6 year old son who are his pride and joy. His face lit up when he showed us photos. He is a really positive and forward looking person despite everything he endured and says he can’t thank Homeward Bound enough for their amazing support with his apartment search. He is beyond grateful for all their help. He is doing online classes with a view to pursuing a career as a firefighter. He would be an amazing asset there! He is keeping the Welcoming Home furniture installation a surprise for the kids and we are very committed to giving them everything they deserve.

Home 3 is is where Tina and her family live, they were referred to us by North Marin Community Services. Although raised in Marin, Tina has known poverty all of her life. Consistently moving from one home to another due to financial instability from her parents, an unstable home life was the norm for Tina.  Sadly, at the age of 16 her father died and one year later Tina became the sole caretaker for her mother who had been diagnosed with breast cancer. Still, Tina was able to graduate from high school and for a time attended The college of Marin while taking nursing courses. With the return of her mother’s breast cancer, once again, Tina became the sole caretaker. Without the guidance that is so crucial in early adulthood, her goal of becoming a nurse had become too overwhelming and  Tina turned to working part-time jobs. Tina would go on to have three children who she loves dearly but the cycle of  instability is looming. Thankfully, through the support and caring guidance of her social worker, Tina has now qualified for a home that will give her the ability to provide a stable environment for her children. As she puts it, she finally has a moment to breathe. As she does this,T ina knows that her dream of going back to school and becoming a nurse is attainable and with one foot in front of the other, it can become her reality.

Max, a single, friendly, and resilient 51-year-old lives in Home 4. He was referred to us by Ritter Center. When he was a small child, Max and his family moved from Barbados to the Midwest where he grew up. As an adult, he proudly worked as a chef in St. Louis and Chicago. Eventually, he moved to California, seeking new opportunities. After a series of unexpected and difficult experiences, Max became unemployed and unhoused. With assistance from social services, he found a place to live, and he found work as a cook in a senior living facility. Just when life was going “pretty good” for Max, an apartment fire destroyed all his furniture and personal belongings.Determined not to give up, he once again sought the support needed to help him get back on his feet. He is grateful for the generosity and encouragement he’s been given. He looks forward to settling into a furnished home that allows him to relax and pursue his interests, which include cooking, bicycling, music, nature and, most importantly, caring for his sweet canine companion, Precious.As Max stood on the balcony of his new apartment, he said, “I so appreciate everything you are doing for me. I may have lost everything in the fire, but I am blessed to be alive and to be surrounded by such wonderful people and natural beauty.”