Stories

You have given Akenese and Leutu a new life. Your love and commitment not only break down cycles of poverty, they make it possible for families like Akenese and Leutu to find safety.

Tony Garnett lived all over the West Coast, struggling with disability and not able to find an affordable place to live. Each of his living situations seemed to be more temporary than the last. He never really felt like he had a home.

Perla is no stranger to pain. When she was just one month old, Perla’s mother fled to the United States, causing Perla to remain in Honduras under the care of her grandparents.

Adith and Ryan were just 15 years old when they learned about Operation Backpack. They immediately knew they wanted to help, so they formed a club at their high school, recruiting other students to collect school supplies for their peers who needed them.

Maria and her three teenage children were living in their van for two years. She worked every day, fighting for a chance to better her and her children’s lives. Most of the time, they stayed by the river, but eventually Maria lost her job.

Today, the families at Roseville Home Start have a reason to celebrate: a new community kitchen.

19 years after graduating from Volunteers of America’s housing and employment program, Nick Himphill is beginning his term as the Chairman of VOA’s Board of Directors.

Leila felt like she had hit rock bottom. After fleeing from domestic violence and moving across the country, she knew she had to prioritize finding work. She went to the county office and was referred to VOA’s Employment Program. A week later, she was hired.

This campus will shelter men, women, and pets with the focus on stabilizing, building relationships, and creating plans that will guide those ready into their next step of housing.

Like you and I, Jacquie was living a regular life. She says she was a typical soccer mom, but unfortunately, a car accident left her with chronic pain and depression. She became addicted to prescription pain medication. That addiction eventually led to harder drugs, mental illness, paranoia, and eventually, homelessness.