Who we serve

People

The people served by Make it Home Bay Area have at least one thing in common — they need help during a difficult time. MIH clients are individuals and families in transition who need help to rebuild their lives. They include:

Women and children escaping abusive domestic situations
Foster kids aging out and getting their first home of their own
People coming out of shelters or halfway houses
Individuals and families in recovery from physical and mental illness or addiction
Refugees and recent immigrants to the U.S.
Victims of fires, floods or hurricanes
Veterans

Testimonials and stories

Melanie* & Jessica*

Melanie* and Jessica* grew up together in a foster group home. After transitioning out, they started their own lives and had children; Melanie is a mother of three and Jessica is a mother of two. Unfortunately, both of them found themselves in abusive relationships and escaped by moving into the same shelter years later. The Bay Area market for apartments is tough but fortunately they were able to find apartments in the same complex to support each other and their families. Grateful Gatherings partnered with us and your donated furnishings and essentials allowed them to start their new lives with brighter futures.

Melanie and her family had only air mattresses when they moved from the shelter. She had to leave her job when she escaped the abuse, so buying furniture wasn't possible. She just had a dining table and a friend's television to get them by.

Tears of happiness and disbelief came over Melanie when she saw the transformation of her home. Seeing her new bedroom gave her a sense of peace for the first time in years. The kids' bedrooms are complete, full of color, fun and comfortable for a good night's sleep. Melanie's son loves trains and his new train table is perfect in his new room; hours of fun are ahead.

“We are so grateful for everything you have done for us. We are truly feeling home now! God told me to be patient and he sent you all to bless us and now even my little sister. I'm truly overjoyed!" - Melanie

Jessica shared with us that she was looking for carpeting for the floors because her 15 month son had suffered a brain injury from his father and was currently in treatment with a neurologist. We were able to provide that and so much more. Jessica was overwhelmed with emotion at the transformation of her home and was in disbelief. For both Melanie and Jessica, it's been a long road to a stable home. The next day Jessica sent a text that said,

"I just want to say how much I appreciate all of you for helping me and my babies. I definitely couldn't have done any of this! MY HOME IS SOOOO AWESOME! THANK YOU!!!”

Randall* & Cassie*

Cassie, Randall’s daughter, had been living with her mother (who had full custody) and when her mother passed away, Cassie was taken into foster care. For Randall to bring Cassie home, he needed a new furnished apartment of his own. He got the apartment but did not have the funds to furnish it and get Cassie back. We stepped in quickly at his and his caseworker’s request, as the only thing preventing reunification was furniture. We were contacted about the situation on a Friday and moved the furniture in on Tuesday. Randall got Cassie home Tuesday evening. He called to thank us, with tears in his voice and said,

“I have a story and now you are a part of that story. Thank you for everything that you have done for us.”

Community connections

Make it Home Bay Area collaborates with local non-profits to create spaces for children, teens, and communities to come together. We understand and know that successful transitions out of crisis for families and youth require more than just a "space" and believe wholeheartedly in the dignity and pride of place that happens when a room becomes a place of shared ownership, shared values and a shared sense of community building. That is the goal and hope for every community space we help to create and we curate our donated items to achieve that sensibility. We assist in creating places where all the good things can happen that support the social, emotional, physical and professional transitions that people need to move beyond their histories and to thrive.

“Our small and humble organization is thankful to MIH for their extreme kindness and support with our Youth Lounge/Safe Haven. They went above and beyond to help make the dreams of the young people come true. Thank you to those who helped so much. We believe this space will make a great impact on our communities''. -Damien Posey, Executive Director Us4Us Bay Area