Testimonials

“I was a young, single mother and a college dropout. It was a tender and special time of my life, yet I was also in survival mode. Twenty-two years ago, I found safe shelter at a nonprofit organization called The Living Room (TLR). Their focus was on women and children who are experiencing homelessness, or at risk of experiencing homelessness. I can remember them helping us with basic necessities, a warm meal, referrals to resources and supportive encouragement. We even created art and played games. I experienced TLR as a young mother who desperately needed a place to go during the day. The food and shelter may have gotten me through the door, but it was the people who helped me to persevere in the face of adversity that kept me coming back and gave me hope. By surrounding myself with women who believed in me, I was able to see my next steps. My son and I did find short-term housing, and we moved about eight times in his early childhood until we were able to move into home ownership. I am forever grateful for their support while I was figuring out how to be an adult with a small and active son. I was able to return to The Living Room twenty-one years later and volunteer. I will always remember their unconditional love and support either as a Participant, Employee or as a Volunteer. Thank you, TLR!”

“The Living Room has touched the lives of so many in Sonoma County at a time when they needed help or had help to give. We are her. She is us. To be a part of TLR is to be in love with the mission.”

“The year 2023 brought challenges and changes to The Living Room. With our steadfast, generous donors, community partners, committed staff, volunteers and board, our programs and participants expanded and strengthened. We step into the new year with gratitude and hope.”

“In 2017 my house burned down. I had recently given birth to my little girl. I was forced to go to a family shelter. That’s when I was introduced to The Living Room, they gave a lot of support with child needs such as diapers and extra supplies needed on a daily basis. Helping me with gas vouchers, a resume, childcare, resources and family justice as we were going through a lot in our personal life.”

“The Living Room nos salvo la vida por que la primera vez que vinimos nos ayudaron a mi y a inis 4 hijas con hotel por viernes, sabado y domingo. No sabemos que ya pasar en el future pero si tengo esperanzas con la ayida del livingroom (la sala). Tambien nos ayudaron con ropa y mis hijas va a estar contentas.”

“The living room saved our lives because the first time we came they helped me and my four daughters with a hotel for Friday, Saturday and Sunday. We don’t know what will happen in the future, but I do have hope with the help from The Living Room. They also helped us with clothes and my daughters are going to be happy.”

“When I was in need of assistance in 2020, homeless, fleeing from domestic violence, and in need of help, your organization was a lifesaver for me and my 3 year old daughter. We were able to shower with dignity, compassion, and food we came to you and you let us in.”

“I am housed with permanent housing and am a recipient of a housing voucher. I’m forever grateful to your program The Living Room.”

“I was a young, single mother and a college dropout. It was a tender and special time of my life, yet I was also in survival mode. Twenty-two years ago, I found safe shelter at a nonprofit organization called The Living Room (TLR). Their focus was on women and children who are experiencing homelessness, or at risk of experiencing homelessness. I can remember them helping us with basic necessities, a warm meal, referrals to resources and supportive encouragement. We even created art and played games. I experienced TLR as a young mother who desperately needed a place to go during the day. The food and shelter may have gotten me through the door, but it was the people who helped me to persevere in the face of adversity that kept me coming back and gave me hope. By surrounding myself with women who believed in me, I was able to see my next steps. My son and I did find short-term housing, and we moved about eight times in his early childhood until we were able to move into home ownership. I am forever grateful for their support while I was figuring out how to be an adult with a small and active son. I was able to return to The Living Room twenty-one years later and volunteer. I will always remember their unconditional love and support either as a Participant, Employee or as a Volunteer. Thank you, TLR! ”

“Volunteering with The Living Room has been a life changing endeavor that has impacted my life in profound ways. In hopes of positivity impacting my community, I began sharing my time with TLR and met so many wonderful women who have showed me incredible strength and compassion. I have seen how the services provided by TLR contribute to the wellbeing of women and children in our community and beyond. It is a joy and a privilege to serve at TLR and I hope to be a part of this organization for years to come. ”