SentFromEbove

Maria moved into the Studio on October 1, 2008. Although she has the safety and security of a place to live she, lacks the household items necessary to really call her place home. The following is a list of what will help Maria get settled in: -Sheets, blankets & pillows for a twin bed -Towels & washcloths -Dishes, silverware & household utensils -A microwave (she has no stove) -Cleaning supplies -A love seat -A small television

My Story
In 2001 Maria Justiniano became a client of Harbor Interfaith Services. Maria received services such as food and basic necessities for her and her daughter. In 2005, she became homeless and lost custody of her daughter. Maria had been living in motels, garages and even the streets. With a limited income , it’s almost impossible to live in a place called “home”. As the years went by, things did not get better. In November of 2007, Maria was diagnosed with Cancer of the Immune System. Since then, Harbor Interfaith Services has been helping her look for shelter. Maria had a pet dog with her, whom she cared for so much. Her dog was not just a pet, her doctor’s identified her dog as a service animal. She was unable to find shelter because no shelter would accept pets. Unwilling to give up her pet, the situation became even more difficult.

With many homeless families headed by single mothers, Salvador stands out as a single father. He credits his resourceful single mother, who taught all of her children how to cook, clean and manage a household. On November 1, the Fernandez family moved into a two-bedroom, two-bath house in San Pedro. He has said that this the most important move that he has made because he gets to keep his promise to his daughter that she will have a home for the holidays. The Fernandezes Wishes Are Listed Below: -Twin bed for his daughter Queen bed “Frame” he has a mattress Television 4 Bar Stools for his small kitchen (no room for a table) Blankets Sheets Bath Towels For larger items and/or furniture, please call Jana Jones prior to delivery at (310) 831-0603. Thank you for your generosity.

My Story
Last April, a series of bad breaks led Salvador Fernandez and his four-year-old daughter to the steps of Harbor Interfaith Services’ Emergency Family Shelter. Salvador enrolled his daughter Daniella in Harbor Interfaith Services’ childcare center, which gave him the time to find a full-time job at a local refinery. When she first started at the Mary L. Gimenez-Caulder Center, his daughter would not speak. Slowly, with support from the staff and other children, Daniella began to catch on quickly and now she knows her colors and numbers. Salvador so thankful for the childcare center’s help with his daughter that he has gone above and beyond the call of duty to give back. He can often be found emptying the trash, helping with maintenance needs and picking up debris around the building. He waves off compliments about all of his hard work, saying it’s the least he could do.