08/11/2026
Success Story-From shelter to family home to giving back!
When we first came to the shelter, we were homeless, unsure of where we were going to go or what the future held for our family. I was very pregnant at the time, and we were trying to figure out how to keep our family together and find stability.
We called the shelter, and after being offered a spot, we made the three-hour drive to Pocatello. We knew almost nothing about Pocatello and were stepping into a completely new place, not knowing what to expect. We were simply taking a chance and hoping it would be the beginning of something better.
The shelter gave us a safe place to land when we needed it most. They also helped guide us through the things we didn’t know about—how things worked, what resources were available, and how to begin taking the next steps forward. They worked with us and did their best to accommodate our family’s food allergies, which meant so much to us. Those may seem like small things to some people, but when you are already facing so much uncertainty, having people take the time to understand your family’s needs makes a huge difference.
While we were at the shelter, they also helped point my husband in the direction of a temporary staffing agency. That opportunity led him to a job, and he eventually became fully hired on with the company. From there, he was given the opportunity to move into welding, which has opened even more doors for our family.
One of the most special parts of our journey was being able to get into our own home before our baby was born. After everything we had been through, having a safe and stable home to bring our baby home to meant more to us than we can put into words. We were able to experience the birth of our baby knowing that we had housing and a place to bring our child home to. That was an incredibly special feeling for our family.
When we got our home, the shelter even gave us a gift to celebrate. That gesture meant so much to us because it showed that they truly cared about our family and were celebrating this new chapter with us.
With stability, hard work, and the opportunities we were given, we were able to move forward and eventually get off government assistance. We also found a church community where we could grow, and that community has become an important part of our lives.
Today, we are in a completely different place than we were when we first arrived. We are not only grateful for the help we received—we want to give back. We continue to support the shelter and the families who are going through the same things we once went through whenever we can. We love volunteering, cooking meals, and helping families in need.
We know what it feels like to arrive scared, uncertain, and unsure of what comes next. Because someone was willing to help us when we needed it, we now want to be part of helping others find hope and stability too.
Our story is a reminder that homelessness does not have to be the end of someone’s story. Sometimes, all a family needs is a safe place to land, an opportunity, and people willing to believe in them while they find their way forward.
We will always be grateful that the shelter was part of our family’s journey—not just because they gave us a place to stay, but because they helped us find a path forward. Today, we are grateful to be in a position where we can return that kindness by helping other families whenever we can.
