Oxnard, California–Aly found herself in the cycle of drug abuse and couldn’t find a way out. She was serving her third jail sentence on drug charges when she was given early release—in the middle of the COVID quarantine.
With nowhere to go, she felt hopeless. She didn’t want to live. But then, she reached out to a friend who told her about Gabriel’s House, a residential home for homeless women and children located in Oxnard, California. And because of the dedication of the staff and the generosity of donors, the doors at Gabriel’s House were open to new residents–even during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In just six months at Gabriel’s House, Aly’s life has completely turned around. She found love and support in what is truly a home, not a cold, impersonal facility. Ally also learned new life skills at Gabriel’s House. Today, she has a job and a new apartment. She hopes to soon be reunited with her 15-year-old daughter.
Gabriel’s House was able to remain open throughout the quarantine, welcoming new women and children because of carefully monitored COVID screenings and CDC-approved health measures. And through technological innovation and social distancing, life-skill courses, fitness classes and support group meetings have continued. Offering emergency and long-term housing, Gabriel’s House has developed a well-structured program that guides women to take steps toward healthy, productive and independent living. It’s nothing short of a miracle how lives are changed each and every day at Gabriel’s House–and that includes young women who have aged out of the foster care system.
Donors and volunteers are at the heart of this non-profit ministry. In recent months, Gabriel’s House has undertaken important maintenance projects with the help of a team of local church and service organization volunteers. Last month, one group of volunteers cleared the property of weeds and debris, while another prepped and painted the house. The next phase is to begin a landscaping project, planting a beautiful, drought-tolerant garden for the women and children to enjoy.
While the COVID quarantine challenged Gabriel’s House to serve women and children at another level, it also presented increased costs due to heightened health and sanitizing measures. And it’s no surprise that the shutdown of some businesses left many more women and children homeless. Gabriel’s House is now looking to expand so that no woman or child is ever turned away. Find out how you can donate and volunteer when you visit … www.gabriels-house.org.
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