A Powerful Story of Resilience
Desiree is a brave young mother who lives with her adorable one-year-old daughter in Home Start's Maternity Housing Program. A few years ago, Desiree fled her hometown in a different part of the state. After high school, she had begun dating a young man who became extremely physically abusive. Fearing for her safety and life, she made her way to San Diego. She enrolled herself in college, got a job, and was in her last year of school, about to earn her degree and graduate.
Desiree shares her story to the attendees during Hallo-Wine 2024
Unfortunately, Desiree suddenly became extremely ill. She lost her ability to walk and to work, and she had to leave school. Soon, she had no money left for rent and became homeless. She was pregnant, bouncing between sleeping at friends' houses and in her vehicle. She then found herself with a newborn and became even more desperate.
Thankfully, that’s when a friend told her about Home Start and our Maternity Housing Program. She reached out to our staff, and soon Home Start provided her and her beautiful one-month-old daughter with their own apartment. This past year and a half, Desiree's Case Manager Margarita has been alongside Desiree for her new chapter of life and remains a constant encourager.
Today, the future is looking much brighter. Desiree plans to return to school and finish her degree, find a decent-paying job, and raise her daughter well.