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Here’s a brief introduction to the people we’ll all be helping …

Home 1 is Valerie’s; she was refered to us by Catholic Charities of Santa Rosa. Like many people, Valerie was one paycheck away from being homeless. Until several months ago she kept up with rent and bills with pay from her longtime job at Walmart, which she lost. When her money ran out, she slept in a truck for a week, lived in a tent for three days, and in a shelter for six months. Her dog, Cito (named after a Santana song), was her companion through these hard times. She loves her new apartment where she is dry, safe, and where nature abounds. She enjoys watching Monarch butterflies, wild turkeys, and squirrels on the grounds. Her biggest hobby is making jewelry and dream catchers she hopes to sell.

Home 2 is Mandy’s; she was also referred to us by Catholic Charities of Santa Rosa. Mandy was homeless for five years. She lived out of an RV with her boyfriend until it got towed away. They found an abandoned van to live out of after that. Her now teen-aged son lived with a relative during that time. Mandy has always worked two to three jobs and currently works with a company providing in-home care for people with special needs. James with Catholic Charities went to bat for her. She was finally able to get housing and now has a place to call home again. where she can live with her son and get him into a normal routine.

Regina is in Home 3 and was referred to us by Catholic Charities of Santa Rosa. Regina had various careers in her life such as loan officer and paralegal. She was also an advocate for disabled children and helped several school districts receive extra government funding for disabled children. After she was married and had children, she became a stay-at-home mom. She left that relationship due to domestic violence and plummeted into poverty. She moved several times and in and out of shelters due to her disability and health. Until she finally moved to Petaluma where she found a community to help her get and get back on her feet. She is excited to get a new place that is for disabled elderly and looking forward to being an advocate again for the disabled. She said she has always dreamed of having her own nonprofit and this will give her a chance to heal and help others less fortunate, to give back to the community that helped her get out of poverty.

Robert lives in Home 4 and was also referred to us by Catholic Charities of Santa Rosa. He was born in Santa Rosa, has lived there all his life and loves it, although things haven’t always gone smoothly. He is very involved with his church, driving families to and from, delivering food to house-bound elderly people and is very grateful to be in a position to do this. Not so long ago he was sleeping outside behind the church in the wind and rain. Although on disability, he is in good spirits. His previous working life was in construction, which took its toll on his body. He has a daughter and grandchildren but doesn’t see them often. He had been living with his brother who sadly passed away, so has had to move out of the apartment. He is so thankful to have this beautiful new apartment and is very humbled that the community would reach out and create an actual home for him.