(L to R) Heather, Joyce & Heidi at Barb’s Auto License Agency on July, 09, 2020.
Heather has been through a lot. The single mom of two young children was woken up by her ex-husband one morning to find out that they were suddenly homeless. “He had a substance addiction problem that he hid from us, and he had secretly drained our savings. And suddenly, we had no home.”
She has been struggling to make ends meet ever since. After a brief stint at the Interfaith Family Shelter, Heather found housing. She and her kids have now been housed for over a year.
But it hasn’t been easy, and recurring car issues were making it difficult for Heather to get to work, and for the family to get around.
Enter Heidi (a longtime Interfaith supporter) and her mom, Joyce, who were looking to donate Joyce’s 2009 Chevy to a family who could use it.
Interfaith’s Rapid Rehousing Program Manager, Sabrie Taylor, immediately thought of Heather. “I know a new car will make a huge difference to her family, right now,” she said.
And she was right! Five days later, Heidi and Joyce donated their car to Heather at Barb’s Auto License Agency in Snohomish.
Despite the face masks and social distancing, Heather was all smiles and so thankful for this very kind gesture. “You have no idea how much easier this will make my life!” she shared.
Ever since her old car broke down, the family has had to rely on public transportation. Especially with safety concerns and restricted bus service because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the new car “will make all the difference!” smiled Heather. “Now I won’t have to get the kids ready four hours before we need to be somewhere. And I don’t need to depend on my friend for rides to and from work.”
Joyce and Heidi were very happy that the 2009 Chevy has found a new home. “It’s a good car,” said Joyce, “and I am happy to help Heather’s family with this gift.”
Heidi agreed, “My mom likes this option, because she prefers the more personal benefit to someone.” She added, “We were hoping to find someone directly who needed the car, because donating and selling a car reduces its value relative to someone who needs to buy it.”
Thank you so much, Heidi and Joyce. And congratulations on your new ride, Heather!
Beep beep, beep beep, yeah!
Would you like to donate your old vehicle to one of our client families? Contact us to make it happen.
This spring, the Interfaith Family Shelter has been collaborating with a team from Soledad O’Brien productions on a public health documentary.
The film explores how local communities are responding to public health issues – including homelessness – during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The crew followed one of our client families from homelessness, to our Cars to Housing safe-parking program, then on to the Family Shelter, and finally into their new home.
Share their incredible journey and get an exclusive behind-the-scenes peek at how our amazing staff help families overcome homelessness.
GiveBIG is a movement to support non-profits that provide vital and essential local services.
A big thank you to everyone who helped us meet – and exceed – our donation target!
This year, all donations went toward our Rapid Rehousing program that helps families at the shelter achieve permanent housing… and stay housed.
Our case managers diligently work one-on-one with clients at the shelter to figure out personalized solutions to their situation.
Whether this includes finding and applying for housing, managing and resolving prior debts, or improving job and skills options, the goal is simple: get clients back on their feet and into a home of their own.
And after they move out of the shelter, Rapid Rehousing subsidizes rent through a family’s crucial first year in their new home.
The result: Independence and self-sustaining home stability.
Rapid Rehousing is clearly the solution to regional homelessness.
Miracle House officially opened for business on 09 February, 2020.
Following a lovely ceremony and blessing by our new faith partner, Marysville United Methodist Church, supporters and well-wishers had the opportunity to see our brand-new extension at a brief ‘open house.’
Interfaith Family Shelter Board President, Frank Busichio, and MUMC Lead Pastor Jenny Smith, cut the ribbon to officially open Miracle House. MUMC liaisons (from left) Steve and Jackie Johnson, and Interfaith’s Executive Director, Jim Dean (right) look on.
MUMC churchgoers signed a beautiful framed “Welcome Home” picture at all three church services that same day, which now graces the mantelpiece at Miracle House. A thoughtful and loving gesture of support for families in need.
The MUMC Tween youth group took it on themselves to decorate both bedrooms, with bright and cheery sheets, and made the beds up for the first families to move in… complete with adorable stuffed animals on each bed to welcome children residents.
We are so excited for this new chapter in Interfaith’s growth, and for the opportunity to partner with MUMC as we unite to help families overcome homelessness.
In case you could not attend, here’s a quick virtual tour of Miracle House.
We offer families non-discriminatory low-barrier access to shelter and resources, regardless of age, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, income, or faith affiliation.
