She never expected to need the Mission

Patti and her two young children are thriving at the shelter.

When Patti walked into the shelter with her two young sons, Jonathan and Nathan, it was with a heart full of hope and a fierce determination to find safety. Life had taken a sharp turn. Though Patti once had steady employment, losing her job meant losing their home. Suddenly, she found herself navigating the terrifying and uncertain world of homelessness with her children by her side.

Someone had mentioned a program, but when Patti arrived, it didn’t feel right. It wasn’t family-focused, and it left her oldest son feeling scared and anxious. “He told me he felt unsafe,” Patti shared. She knew she had to find something better for them.

Then she heard about Home Again. Patti didn’t waste a second. Without an appointment, after regular hours, she drove straight to the shelter. She was initially turned away and told to come back the next day. Sad and discouraged, she began to leave, until Denise, a staff member, ran after her.

“She brought me back in, had me fill out paperwork, made sure I had food and water, and helped me feel welcome,” Patti recalled. They set up an interview for the next day. After sitting down with Patti and hearing her story, RMA SFV Director Josie Casarrubias made a decision immediately. “We decided on the spot that Patti was a great candidate for the program. There was no reason why she wouldn’t succeed here. We gave her a move-in date for the next day,” she said.

The impact was immediate. “My son hasn’t missed a single day of school since we moved in,” Patti said. “Because I knew where we were going to be at night, where we were going to be during the day.”

With their basic needs met—meals, clothing, hygiene supplies—Patti could finally breathe. “One of the biggest blessings is the clothes. I’ve been dressed really well since being in the program. And I know it’s mainly because of the donations and the contributions from the community partners who give to the shelter for the mothers. All of this has been a blessing.”

Safety gave way to “peace.” Prayer, Bible studies, and spiritual care became central to their healing. “It’s been fundamental for my mental health and my children’s mental health,” Patti shared. “I’ve further learned that God is my provider. I teach my children that it’s because of God that we are in a place like this.”

Patti deeply values the community that surrounds the shelter. “I’m grateful for the community partners who come in and give up their time, love and talent. They give me so much hope and happiness.”

To all who have helped, Patti said: “Thank you. My family is the one facing homelessness today, but there were many before us and there will be many after. My prayer is that everyone who gives their time, money, and resources is blessed by the Lord for the work they do.”