The Hope Connection

Haven for Hope has launched a new series called The Hope Connection.

10 minutes. One story. Endless hope. The Hope Connection is an inspiring interview series that gives homeless individuals a platform to share their stories in 10-minute conversations. Through personal narratives of resilience, courage, and hope, the series aims to foster empathy, challenge stereotypes, and highlight the humanity behind homelessness. Each episode provides a glimpse into unique journeys, celebrating the strength and spirit of individuals often overlooked by society.

Meet Timothy, a community member currently finding support at Haven. Timothy bravely shares his journey of living with alcoholism and how self-discipline, hope, and the resources at Haven have empowered him to navigate recovery and embrace personal growth. His path began at Haven’s South Campus, eventually leading him to the Pay It Forward program, where he continued building a foundation for lasting change.

As of this interview, Timothy is celebrating an incredible milestone — eight months of sobriety. “They [Haven] will give you the help, but you have to put in the work,” Timothy shares, reflecting on his commitment to his healing journey.

Click here to watch Timothy’s interview.

Jacob and Chelsea, along with their three children, arrived at Haven in 2021. While at Haven, their children attended school, and Chelsea and Jacob worked on their goals of finding stable employment and housing.

They attended parenting and financial literacy classes, attended family activities, and utilized the resources at Haven during their stay.

To hear more about their journey, click here.

A chance encounter gives Rene, a father of six, a chance to rebuild his life. 

Rene was driving to an appointment when he passed Haven for Hope’s 22-acre campus near downtown. He slowed down to ask people walking by about Haven and if they knew if Haven took families.

What Rene didn’t know was that the people who stopped when he pulled up were from Haven’s leadership team. “Yes, Haven does take in families,” they enthusiastically replied, and they told him what documents he would need to bring for enrollment.

Later that day, Rene returned to Haven with his children and enrolled in Haven’s Family Resource program, a 92-bed shelter that provides meals, clothing, necessities, and, most importantly, employment and housing resources.

To learn more about Rene’s story, click here!

More than 15 years on the streets and then to a one-bedroom apartment…this is Nate’s story

Nate lived on the streets off and on for more than 15 years. Our Outreach Manager, Pete, built a relationship with Nate, checking in on him for about five years. Pete encouraged him to try Haven and access our wrap-around services.

One day, Nate told Pete he was ready. “It’s time for a change. I can’t do this anymore,” Nate said.

Nate came to Haven and within four months, he had his ID back, had reinstated social security benefits, took some budgeting classes, and reinstated his healthcare benefits. He was housed through a program between Haven and Opportunity Home.

To hear Nate’s story, click below.

Harmony is taking classes and utilizing Haven’s resources to regain her independence and find housing.

Destin is one of Haven’s Young Adult clients. Haven has seen an increase in young adults experiencing homelessness in our community. In FY 2023, Haven served 789 young adults aged 18-24, a 31% increase from the previous year.

Haven launched a Young Adult program, which includes 24 beds in our low-barrier side of campus, the Courtyard, and 28 beds on our Transformational Campus.

The young adult program includes specialty case management, gender-neutral restrooms, and common areas with TVs, gaming devices, and computers.

Felisha shares her Haven journey. She was a client twice, and now wants a career where she can give back to those struggling with addiction and homelessness.

Tatiana shares how Haven for Hope helped her get back on her feet with employment and a new apartment.

Meet Alan: Alan was a successful businessman working with custom homebuilders until the economy and real estate market crashed in 2008. After losing his job and struggling to make ends meet as an artist, a series of health issues in 2020 led to Alan losing everything. He came to Haven for Hope to get back on his feet. Click here to hear his inspiring testimonial.

Nadia was living with her four children in her Mom’s one-bedroom house. She had lost her job during the pandemic. She was a caregiver and her client died from Covid. Things went downhill from there and soon Nadia lost her car.

After living with her Mom for a while, she knew she had to do something for her family. “My Mom wasn’t used to having kids in the house again. It was very crowded. I didn’t want to burden her.”

Nadia and her children stayed at Haven for a year. They were in line to rent a home and her kids were very excited. They even went to the house to rake leaves before moving in. Nadia said they bagged 9 bags of leaves. “The kids loved that house.” Unfortunately, the landlord received an offer to sell the home. “It was an offer he couldn’t refuse. We were very disappointed, but we didn’t give up hope.”

Nadia had always worked hard to provide for her children as a single mom. “This has been a learning experience for my children, homelessness can happen to anyone.”

As Nadia reflects on her time at Haven, she’s grateful. Grateful for the staff, the programs, and the classes. She attended Income and Skills Development classes and worked on her resume so she can find another more financially stable job. Her kids participated in some of the teen nights and movie nights at Haven. Nadia was grateful her children had the opportunity to continue attending their charter school. As for her dream job, Nadia says she wants to give back. “I want to help people; this can happen to anyone. It’s been a humbling experience.”

To watch Nadia’s interview with Haven staff, click here.