Women’s Stories

Jean’s Story

From the outside, Jean was enjoying a good life: A wonderful condo in Cloverdale with all the amenities. She had security and housing, but wondered to herself, “Is this all there is to life?” Unfortunately for Jean, a series of events, including; moving and respiratory illness exhausted her financial resources, and led her down a path to homelessness. Jean had the loving support of her Church in Sonoma that helped to place her belongings into storage and Jean into a shelter. Jean was especially distraught because she had to have her beloved cat euthanize because she could not afford the cancer treatments that would have extended his life.

Jean found great peace and comfort in the supportive systems surrounding her. Her Church, Servants of Sonoma, and The Living Room helped Jean find her way back economic stability, but in the mean time, Jean spent over six years on this journey, and tells of her deep gratitude in the following note to The Living Room: “I have been blessed to have had over 6 years of safety, warmth and caring kindness bestowed upon me. I feel very fortunate indeed in knowing that each woman I have encountered–each staff member and volunteer–has helped me along this journey. I was encouraged by a former staff member, Arlene, to send in one more application–one more time–persevering until I finally succeeded in finding housing. And, what a blessing it was to be accepted, to be guided, to be listened to when no one else was listening. I see the world differently now; I shine on the inside and it shows on the outside…Life is Good!”

Yamila’s Story

Yamila is a classical concert pianist who graduated from the Pablo Casals Conservatory of Music in Puerto Rico and the Peabody Institute of Music at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland. She has played and directed musical theater in Sonoma County for the Santa Rosa Players, Sonoma State University Pre-College Programs, Sonoma Community Center and Mendocino College.

Yamila became homeless after she lost her source of income, and her mortgage payments escalated to a financial breaking point, resulting in the foreclosure of her home. Yamila, and her two  children were suddenly homeless. With her belongs and beloved piano in storage, she sought the services of local shelters, friends, and The Living Room. In 2009, Yamila performed in a benefit concert with two other local musicians to help raise money for The Living Room, and we are proud to have Yamila on the Board of Directors and as our liaison with  the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

Dayeana’s Story

Dayeana is a young, single parent with three boys. She had her first baby when she was 15, and relied on family and friends to help her make it. Two years ago, she ran out of support and had to move her family into an emergency shelter. She says, “It was a long, hard struggle and I just couldn’t make it on my own anymore.” Dayeana is a practiced survivor, though, having experienced a harsh childhood of domestic violence and child abuse. At the shelter she did her chores, followed the rules, and made a point to get along with everyone. It worked. She was well liked by the women and children around her.

The culmination of her hard work came about in October of 2008 when she received a Section 8 government voucher for subsidized housing, making it possible for her family to move from the shelter into a low-income home. She also knows exactly what she wants to do. Her dream is to return to school and study for a career in a helping field, like nursing. She says she has learned a lot about herself. She is a stronger person, and is thankful for The Living Room staff who supported her and helped her make it through the tough times.