“I don’t want to leave my apartment, go to work, or go to the store. I don’t even want to go for a walk.” Normally, that kind of conversation would be of concern, but not this time. This time it was understandable.
Laila and her boyfriend had just moved into their very first apartment and they were thrilled. The Elk Grove shelter had been a godsend, a safe place to stay for five months while they stabilized.
Laila and Jake had been homeless for four years. Addiction wasn’t an issue for them, but bad credit was. And saving up for an enhanced deposit to get them into a place seemed insurmountable.
The Elk Grove shelter gave them the opportunity to work towards paying off some debt and to qualify for a city subsidized apartment. While in the shelter, Laila would often say that she was terrified of getting her hopes up because so often those hopes had been dashed. She couldn’t stand the thought of going back to live in their car once the shelter closed. She fought despair.
While homeless, full-time jobs gave them the opportunity to stay in hotels occasionally, but their beloved dog, Ringo, was always an issue. That is no longer the case. Last week they moved into their very own apartment, fully furnished by Elk Grove HART with gently used items. But they were perfect for Laila. Even in the colors and style that she preferred.
“I don’t wanna leave,” she whispered. “I am so thankful for this place and love it so much. How can I ever thank you? I want to volunteer; I want to help others.” “In due time, my friend. But for now, enjoy the safety and security of your new home,” we replied.
In collaboration with the City of Elk Grove, Elk Grove HART has assisted eight families to get into apartments in 2024. Again, fully furnished with the assistance of local churches and service organizations. That’s the beauty of Elk Grove, we work together for those who are truly in need.
Can you help support us in doing that by contributing on May 2 to the Big Day of Giving? We would so greatly appreciate it.
One person’s trash is another person’s … Treasure!
And that’s how Tina saw the matching leather loveseats, the antique armoire, dishes, and glassware - everything she needed for her new apartment. How much she treasured them was evidenced by the nonstop tears streaming down her face.
At first it was awkward for the men moving the furniture, but they soon realized they were tears of sheer elation. Tina had been on the streets for several years and had worked hard to kick her drug addiction. She had been drug-free for 18 months. Now, thanks to her full-time job, she qualified for a subsidized apartment. She couldn’t believe it was really happening. Living in her car had seemed like her destiny, until now. Now it was real. She had her own beautiful apartment, new carpeting and all!
As we gathered around her to say goodbye, she put into words just how much it meant to her. It wasn’t just the apartment, she said. It was the love and care that was shown to her by so many. She had felt like she was forgotten for so many years, unworthy of anybody’s care or concern. Now she finally saw that she was worthy of all the attention and treasures that she was receiving.
Watching people like Tina overcome the struggle of drug addiction is a privilege. This time it was Sun Grove Church helping, but in the past few months it has been Sunrise Laguna Rotary, Creekside Church, and Good Shepherd Church that have fully furnished our newly housed friends’ apartments. Elk Grove has shown these people who were once destitute that they are valuable and are worthy of being helped. It’s amazing the empowerment that you can give someone when you encourage them. Without financial support none of this would be possible. Please continue to partner with us on not giving up on people that others have left by the wayside. Big Day of Giving is May 2nd. Please give generously.
As a supporter of Elk Grove HART, you will soon be receiving email messages with more details and a link to a donation site so that you may donate online. We can also accept personal checks in advance of the online donation window if you prefer to donate that way. Checks should be mailed to our P.O. Box 1343, Elk Grove 95759 to arrive no later than April 30.