We’re excited to share with you another significant story regarding our House2Home (H2H) ministry…as we are committed to “Turning a House to a Home…ending homelessness one family at a time!”
Alicia and her four precious children were referred to Hope Gardens for their personal safety, healing, and recovery. Having suffered severe domestic violence and a traumatic near death experience, living in the safety of Hope Gardens was an oasis of healing for her entire family. After graduating from the program, Alicia become an apprentice in the Hope Gardens “Peeps” Department which is the childcare and preschool program. She not only found her niche, but under the godly mentorship of Gina, the Hope Gardens Early Childhood Coordinator, Alicia gained HOPE…the confident expectation that life could be different…that God had a Hope and Future for her and her family. Gina encouraged Alicia to begin talking online courses to equip her for employment and personally in parenting her four children. When a staff position as a Program Assistant became available at HG, Alicia was prepared to interview and was hired to work in Peeps.
Then the housing hunt began, and God faithfully provided Alicia with a beautiful, and affordable, 4 bedroom home in Palmdale. This is where we see God’s amazing master plan come into play as HE joined volunteers in Palmdale with Deed and Truth partners in San Clemente to provide furnishings, decor, talent, and skill to masterfully transform Alicia’s house into a home. We teared up hearing that, 8 year old Aaliyah whispered to her Mom, “Now we have a real home like families on TV”. Alicia was overwhelmed by the love of Jesus demonstrated through the hands, feet, and hearts of so many. She clings to the verse, “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is His faithfulness.” She said, “I really like this verse because I feel I’ve come along way from where I was, and without the Lord, none of this would have been possible for me and my family.”
Special thanks to Lynne for organizing the many donations from friends; to Mike, Barry and Dave for renting the U-Haul, making the pick-ups, and delivering the goods to Palmdale (250 miles roundtrip); and to Gina and her family for coordinating the furnishings, spearheading the decorating, and beautifully refinishing many items. Many thanks to all of you for partnering with us through your donations and prayers.
Video: I’ve never had my own room!