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Testimonials
Vicki’s Story
I did not expect anything like this to happen.
My husband and I both had jobs. He was a self-employed contractor and because of the slowing economy, he gradually lost his income. I lost my job when the company I was working for closed. Our savings dried up and we lost our home to foreclosure.
We found a cheaper place to live until a tire blew out on our car. We had no money left. We had to decide whether to pay our rent or fix the only vehicle we had. We were forced to leave our apartment.
We bounced around from place to place with our children. We stayed with family and at hotels– whatever we could find for the night. Hotel costs prevented us from being able to save for a down payment on an apartment. To maintain a sense of normalcy for our kids, we drove them across town to their school every day.
I was overwhelmed, exhausted and ready to give up. I didn’t know which direction to turn. I called the 211 hotline and they told me about Family Haven.
Honestly, I did not want to come to a homeless shelter. I thought it would be unsafe, they’d kick our family to the streets during the day and my family would be split up. Family Haven was the opposite of everything I expected. ICCF’s Family Haven was safe, clean and my family had our own private apartment so we could stay together all hours of the day.
Staying here gave me a place to sit still long enough to think clearly. Before we came, I was so overwhelmed it was even difficult for me to talk to my kids. The staff spent many hours listening to me, acting as my mentor. Now my relationship with my family is much stronger.
While at Family Haven, I found a job to meet my family’s basic needs. Staff helped me budget to see what I could afford on my new job’s income. With their help, I found affordable housing that fits within our budget. Family Haven went above and beyond. They even gave my daughter a bus pass so she could find a job. The staff gave my family the support we needed every day.
Things are turning around now. We’re in an apartment in our children’s school district, I have a job and my husband is looking for one. Family Haven gave me a sense of hope and helped my family get back on our feet again. Family Haven has truly been a blessing in my life.
- Vicki, Family Haven Client
Jill’s Story
Once a month, when a family moves out of a Family Haven apartment, I go in, clean it and restock it with linens and supplies for the next family. I bring donated items so when a family moves out they can take those things with them. I think we’re here on earth to help others and this is a way I can do that.
Family Haven allows families to get their feet back on the ground. It gives families a sense of home even though they’re in a shelter because it’s a safe place where a family can stay together. Family Haven is a place where kids can play and parents can receive financial, parental or spiritual guidance. It’s more than a shelter. Family Haven empowers families to take the next step.
When families move in, they seem ashamed and worn, but when I see families leaving, they’re like new people. They have a new outlook on life, they’re grateful and excited. Nothing is better than that!
- Jill, Family Haven Volunteer |
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