Recently, our friend and neighbor, Honey, described home as being in the right place, at the right time, doing the right things. People usually don’t think about home in that way. We often think of being in the right place at the right time as a stroke of good luck or serendipity. While that is how good things can happen, we truly believe that most often there are people—compassionate and caring people like you—who aren’t leaving goodness to chance.
Housing alone will never solve homelessness, but community will.
“For somebody like me with severe health conditions, having a new, safe home gave me what I needed to get healthy.”
– honey
Honey moved into the Village seven years ago. She grew up in a broken home and moved into foster care when she was 16. She married at 17 and soon had three children, but without the foundation of a strong family, Honey never learned how to create a healthy marriage. She divorced. She remarried. Sadly, her husband spiraled into a mental health crisis after his mother passed away, and he was unable to work. During this time, Honey suffered her own serious health challenges. This series of tragic events ultimately led to the loss of her home. After several years on the streets, Honey made her way home to Community First! Village.
“It became home to me because I was finally in the right place, at the right time, doing the right things.”
– honey
Honey is gifted at creating incredible pieces of art. Though she had never been encouraged to pursue her creativity, her community of art house staff, volunteers and neighbor artists urged her to try something new. She liked making bracelets for friends, so crafting jewelry seemed like a good place to begin. Next, she tried her hand at glazing ceramic pieces. Recently, she added painting to her artistic talents. Her newly discovered creative gift has helped Honey earn a dignified income through the pieces she has sold, and more importantly it has helped her build a new confidence in herself.
Because of you, Honey is healthy and flourishing as an artist. She has made her home here and created a whole new life for herself in Community First! Village.
