Our Stories
“Once we have a true revelation that we are loved, valued, and purposed, it becomes difficult to live in such a way that contradicts this truth.” ― Harmony Dust
Our goal is to prevent and end homelessness by providing a safety net for people who can not make it on their own or are having a difficult moment in their life.
Kay Wilson- Bolton
Meet Maria
This is what success looks like. Maria and her daughters called Harvard Shelter on a Sunday afternoon in September of 2022, alone, homeless, without friends or resources... or money. She asked if we could help them. We brought them to Harvard, and they settled in to our routine and case management. Maria did everything right. She got her ID, her driver's license, and a job with a local dentist. The girls did well in school, and her emergency housing voucher rose to the top of the list. They moved into their own apartment in May of 2023 and she's modeling the keys! And, she purchased a car on low-to-reasonable credit so she could continue to work. All she needed was someone to say 'We will help.' Yes, this is what success looks like.
Meet Laura
Laura has been at Harvard Shelter with her two children for three years. She faced challenges different that most but made it. She has a full-time job as SPIRIT's Kitchen Manager. Her daughter is the top math student in her third grade class and Santiago was barely a year old when they came to us. Now the family lives in their own apartment in Ventura and her landlord provides transportation for Laura and gets the kids to school. Laura had a savings plan and a great case manager. When it was time to move, Laura had everything she needed, with some money left over. This is what success looks like.
Birthday Wish
Birthdays are a big deal at Harvard. Santiago turned four years old in April and an engine from Ventura County Fire Department paid a visit. Santa Paula PD also came by and Santiago and Mia got to rev up the siren, horn and other whistles. It was a great happy birthday.
We live at the Shelter
This sweet girl lived at Harvard Shelter and is proud of it. Her parents say she is quick to engage people wherever they go, and proclaims "We live at the Shelter." Not "a shelter", but "THE shelter".
Jenny Arana and Liz Perez are faithful volunteers at Harvard, working with the kids to create projects and be happy while they do it. If we can take fear from their lives and show them there are safe places to learn and love, we can break generational tendencies leaning towards hopelessness and poverty. This child's question to Jenny was, "Is this perfect?" Apparently, perfection is important to her just as where she calls home.
Short Videos
This is your Team section. It's a great place to introduce your team and talk about what makes it special, such as your culture and work philosophy. Don't be afraid to illustrate personality and character to help users connect with your team.