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Lorena was referred to us by North Marin Community Services and lives in Home 1. Lorena left her home country two years ago because of the unsafe political situation. When she came to the Bay Area, she quickly found work in a hair salon. For a year, she shared a bedroom in an apartment with four other women. A male patron of the hair salon offered her room and board in exchange for cooking and cleaning services. For the first few months, all was well – then she became the victim of physical and sexual abuse. To her credit, Lorena got the police involved; the man was arrested and jailed. Lorena returned to the shared room arrangement. Then, with the help of North Marin Community Services, she was able to find a nice, small apartment where she finally feels safe and at peace. Her plan is to get a job in a restaurant or retail. She is already so grateful for finally being able to have a real home.

Like Lorena in Home 1, Elodia and her family in Home 3 fled her home country two years ago because it was unsafe due to political conflict. She has two boys, aged 14 and 6. The family was  living in one room of an apartment when Elodia became the victim of domestic violence. Thanks to The Center for Domestic Peace, they were able to escape that situation and move into transitional housing. then, North Marin Community Services stepped in and helped her to find a place to live. She is so very grateful for all of the people who have helped her so far – and for the community that is about to donate furniture for her home. Welcoming Home is so grateful to The Outdoor Art Club for sponsoring this Welcoming; i.e., covering the entire cost. Lorena says that having a nicely furnished apartment is truly a “dream come true.” It is something she herself is not able to provide for her sons, even though she works more than full time at a restaurant. Now her boys can pursue their dreams of repairing cars (the 14-year-old) and being an astronaut (the 6-yr-old.)