Eric’s Story
Last month, Community Kitchen guest Eric* had a very frightening health scare. With a difficult outlook, Eric chose to change his lifestyle to improve his current health and take control of his future. The meals served at the Community Kitchen have helped him work towards his goals, providing food options that are “delicious but also healthy.” The Kitchen recently received wild caught salmon from a community partner, and Eric was thrilled, sharing “you can’t find fresh salmon like that anywhere, even some restaurants don’t have that!”
We’re proud that the Community Kitchen can share more than a meal, helping guests find the healthy food and community that they need to move forward!
*Name and photo changed for privacy
Sarah’s Story
Sarah has been working with our Outreach Team for several years. At a young age, Sarah began battling addiction, and found herself living in a car and without a stable home. When Sarah met our Outreach Specialist Shelley, she got connected to our team and a community of support at the Community Kitchen. Shelley and Sarah worked together to verify that she was experiencing homelessness (a critical step in securing access to other forms of support), then embarked on the complicated process of trying to find safe, stable housing.
After the lengthy process of securing a housing voucher, Sarah was able to find her own home! Now living in a safe, stable place, Sarah is able to focus on progressing in her sobriety journey. Her ultimate goal is to bring her son home to her apartment and start a new life with him, while making a difference in the community. We’re celebrating alongside Sarah as she continues to take steps toward a happier, healthier future!
Mary and Bill’s Story
Mary* and Bill* met Financial Wellness specialist, Tabitha, in the middle of a crisis. Having fallen behind on their mortgage, the couple’s home was scheduled for auction in three weeks. Mary and Bill had been told that there was “nothing that could be done.”
Tabitha wasn’t ready to accept that answer. Working as a partner and advocate, Tabitha contacted different agencies, finally reaching the HUD National Servicing Center who escalated their case and put Tabitha in contact with their loan servicer. Before the three weeks were up, Mary and Bill were able to secure a loan modification that allowed them to save their home!
Moving forward, Mary and Bill will meet with Tabitha to build a budget and pay off debt, learning financial skills and tools needed to achieve greater stability. We believe that all of our neighbors deserve a safe home, a network of support, and the opportunity to build a brighter future for their families. We’re grateful for a team that builds relationships, advocates for guests, and provides expertise and support on a brighter path forward!
*Names and photo changed for privacy
These are transformative stories, and they’re only possible because of you. Everyone needs a community that believes in them - their worth, their dignity, and their potential. Your ongoing belief and partnership ensures that all of our neighbors - people like Eric, Sarah, Mary, and Bill - have what they need to build brighter futures. Please consider a generous donation to help us share more than a meal this Thanksgiving season!
