“When I dance, I heal, and sometimes that joy spreads to someone who hasn’t smiled in a long time.”

 

For nearly sixteen years, Jon has been a joyful constant at Haven for Hope — a steady hand and a kind heart who sees the good in everyone. “It’s been a long 15 years,” he says, smiling. “But I love it. I wouldn’t change it for the world.”

A former Sheriff’s Department employee, Jon was drawn to Haven’s mission of helping people rebuild their lives. “You start talking to people and realize they’re just like us, good people who fell on hard times. That’s when I knew this was where I was meant to be.”

Whether offering encouragement or dancing in the courtyard, Jon believes connection heals. “When I dance, I heal,” he says. “And sometimes that joy spreads to someone who hasn’t smiled in a long time.”

As Haven celebrates fifteen years of hope, Jon’s message is simple: “We’re changing lives every day, and we’re just getting started.”

“We had a roof over our heads, and that was the start of everything.”

When Paul and his young daughter Madison arrived at Haven, they had nowhere else to turn. “It was intimidating at first; there were so many families needing help,” he recalls. “But we had a roof over our heads, and that was the start of everything.”

Paul received case management, clothing vouchers, bus passes, and the support he needed to find steady work. With each small step, hope returned. “The staff never gave up on us,” he says. “They helped me get back on my feet and reminded me that better days were possible.”

Today, Paul works full-time in maintenance, and he and Madison now live in their own two-bedroom apartment. “Madison has her own room and her own bathroom, and she loves it,” he says with a smile.

Paul’s story reminds us that when hope finds a home, families can rebuild their lives.

“I can finally breathe again and feel human.”

When Amanda lost her job, everything changed. With four of her five children to care for, she and her husband found themselves without a home, struggling to afford food, diapers, or even a hotel room. “It wasn’t a choice,” she says. “Sometimes life just happens, and you need help getting back up.”

At Haven, Amanda’s family found stability and compassion. Through several programs and services offered by Haven and its partners, her husband was able to find work while the family received the support they needed to stay together and move forward. “We’re not in survival mode anymore,” Amanda shares. “I can finally breathe again and feel human.”

Now close to securing permanent housing, Amanda is filled with hope for what comes next. “If I knew then what I know now, I’d have come here a long time ago,” she says.

With your support, we can give families like Amanda’s a chance to rebuild their lives with dignity.

From Uncertainty to Hope: Blanca’s Story of Perserverance in the Face of Adversity

Meet Blanca, a dedicated Haven community member whose journey from South Campus to North Campus reflects her strength and perseverance. Blanca shares how difficult life circumstances, including an unhealthy relationship, led to her experiencing homelessness — a reality she never imagined facing.

“People discriminate against people who are homeless. I never dreamed about being homeless,” Blanca shares, highlighting the stigma many individuals encounter.

Join us to hear Blanca’s powerful story and her reflections on resilience, hope, and finding support at Haven.

Resilience and Renewal: Marivel’s Ongoing Journey Toward Healing and Stability

Meet Marivel, a resilient and candid individual who has faced homelessness from a young age. In her journey to survive, Marivel navigated life on the streets while struggling to meet her most basic needs. After experiencing incarceration and time at a state hospital, she has returned to Haven for Hope and is now working toward stability and permanent housing through our supportive programs.

Marivel’s story sheds light on the complex realities of survival, trauma, and the hope for transformation. Her honesty and strength remind us that everyone deserves compassion, resources, and a second chance.

Join us to hear Marivel’s powerful story of survival, resilience, and her ongoing journey toward healing and stability.

Finding Gratitude and Renewal: Michael’s Journey from Chef to Rebuilding His Future

Meet Michael, a talented local chef who turned to Haven for support after losing his job and facing serious health challenges. During a difficult period of living unhoused, Michael found community and resources at Haven that helped him begin rebuilding his life.

“You have no idea how grateful I am,” Michael shares, expressing his appreciation for the support he’s received. Now, as he searches for new job opportunities, he looks forward to giving back to the place that helped him get back on his feet.

Rest, Renewal, and Resilience: Mary’s Story of Moving Forward

Meet Mary, a South Campus client who shares her journey of resilience and determination. After losing her job and apartment, Mary found support at Haven for Hope during a pivotal time—the transition from mats on the floor to bunk beds for women on South Campus.

Mary reflects on how something as simple as a bed has restored her sense of dignity, safety, and rest, allowing her to focus on her job search and future goals. With a background in banking, she is determined to find work and move toward a home of her own. Mary also challenges common misconceptions about homelessness, reminding us that each story is unique and worthy of respect.

Her words are a powerful reminder that compassion, understanding, and opportunity can change lives.

Healing, Faith, and Moving Forward: Heidi’s Story of Hope

Meet Heidi: a resilient woman staying in Haven for Hope’s South Campus women’s dorm. Since arriving in 2023, Heidi has been working toward employment, deepening her faith, and healing from challenges with mental health and brain seizures. She shares her hopes of reconciling with her adult daughter and moving into a home of her own next year.

Heidi also reflects on the transition from mats on the floor to bunk beds—a change that has brought her both comfort and safety. Having a lower bunk has eased her daily life, helping her rest more securely while managing her health.

With honesty and courage, Heidi reminds us that homelessness is often misunderstood and calls for more compassion and opportunity. “We are doing the best we can,” she says, offering a powerful message to potential employers and the broader community: each person deserves dignity, respect, and a chance to rebuild.

From Counselor to Client — and Back Again: Karen’s Journey of Healing and Hope

 

Meet Karen, a South Campus client at Haven for Hope. Originally from Mexico, Karen built a career as a substance abuse counselor, dedicating her life to helping others. After facing her own struggles with alcohol, she experienced a period of instability that ultimately led to homelessness.

Karen has now been at Haven for a year, where she has embraced the services, community, and sense of safety offered on campus. She often connects with fellow clients, encouraging them to share their own stories, and hopes to one day return to her profession in counseling. Above all, Karen is grateful to feel seen, valued, and supported as she works toward her next chapter and, eventually, permanent housing.

A Bed for All Leads to Nights of Restful Sleep for South Campus Women

In this episode of The Hope Connection, we meet Joyce, a resilient 72-year-old client staying in Haven for Hope’s South Campus women’s dorm. After losing her husband and struggling to afford housing on her own, Joyce turned to Haven for support. She remembers the shift from sleeping on mats to bunk beds as a turning point—“it felt like home.”

Known lovingly by others as “Mama,” Joyce has become a mentor to younger generations at Haven, offering encouragement and wisdom as they work toward stability. She reminds them that setbacks don’t define them: “If you fall to the ground, you can get up. Just keep getting up, and gradually, you will be back up there.”

Joyce is currently working toward housing, with a strong determination that this will be her final time needing Haven’s services. Her story is one of courage, dignity, and the power of community in the face of life’s challenges.