WHAT WE DOWho We Help
Referrals are made to us by local social service agencies, including:
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Adopt a Family
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Ambassadors of Hope and Opportunity
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Bay Area Community Resources
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Catholic Charities
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Center for Independent Living
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Community Action Marin
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Episcopal Community Services
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Homeward Bound
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HUD/Veterans' Supportive Housing
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Jewish Children and Family Services
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Marin Housing Authority
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Marin Community Clinics
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North Marin Community Services
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Ritter Center
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The Living Room
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Women's Recovery Services
The individuals and families we help have been through major hardships, often having escaped abusive relationships or dangerous, strife-ridden home countries. Before getting a place of their own, they’ve lived on the street, in a single room of an apartment, in a shelter and/or in their vehicle. Thanks to help from local social service agencies, they now have safe and relatively affordable housing with a lease in their name.
They’re not looking for a handout, but for a hand-up.
We fully furnish and equip the homes of people who have just transitioned from homelessness to provide a comfortable place where they can sleep, share meals, do homework and just relax. An important part of the fresh start these people so desperately want is the feeling of well-being and confidence that comes with living in a welcoming, cozy home.
We do it all through donations of cash and gently used or new furnishings from neighbors in the community we share. By repurposing items from our donors, we reduce the volume of used furniture and household goods going to the landfill.
And we do it all in one day. Well, the furnishing part anyway.
"Families describe their experience with Welcoming Home as a place that delivers warmth, charm and comfort to their new space. A home that rises up to greet you."
Who We HelpMeet Some of Our Past Clients
Note: stories do not necessarily correspond with families pictured
Mercedes and her two teens lost everything in an apartment fire. They were devastated. Mercedes had worked so hard to create a home for her family and now all was lost.
Roxanna and her children fled an abusive situation in another state; they came to California with nothing but their clothes and a few well-worn household items. Roxanna commutes almost two hours daily for a part-time job and cleans houses in her spare time.
Seven members of an Afghani family were evacuated from Kabul in late 2021. The seven were at the Kabul airport when the bombings occurred; they were lucky to have escaped with their lives.
Elena and her family fled Guatemala because of gang violence and child molestation in their neighborhood. When Elena’s brother was killed, she knew she had to leave with her children to ensure their safety. They are awaiting asylum now; Elena and her husband work full time as cooks in local restaurants.
Carlos, his wife Monica, and their 2-year-old son arrived in the US after fleeing from El Salvador because of the dangerous political situation. Even though they had good jobs there (Carlos managed a soccer league and a dance troupe), they feared for their lives. They were able to get visas for the US and have applied for political asylum here.
