What a Stable Home Means

For adults, a stable home often means privacy to unwind after a long day, or the simple comfort of getting ready in your own bathroom instead of a public restroom. For children, it’s more fundamental. A home is more than just a physical space, it’s the foundation for feeling safe, building routines, and growing up with a sense of dignity.
When Lavesha and her children lost their home and had to move into a hotel room, things changed. Her kids became quieter, less social. Like many children experiencing homelessness, they withdrew to avoid judgment. Getting picked up by the school bus at a hotel, in front of classmates, was uncomfortable for the teenagers.
The family now lives in one of The Care Service’s affordable homes. “They’re starting to get their personalities back, and they’re not embarrassed anymore,” Lavesha shared. A stable home has helped restore their confidence.
For children, a hotel room is not the ideal place to make new friends. The stigma and isolation can make it hard to form lasting friendships. But now, in a real neighborhood with a stable home, Lavesha’s kids are thriving. “They’re making friends, they love the new school district. They go outside and talk to the other kids around here. They’re riding scooters together,” she said. “And my daughter can have a sleepover again. She’s so excited like ‘I can actually have a friend come over and spend the weekend, and we have a room!’”
Melia saw similar changes in her daughter Chloe after moving into one of The Care Service’s affordable homes. “She loves the new school. She’s made a lot of new friends, and they want to come over. Her birthday’s coming up, so we’re going to have a party. We have a place now, so we can do that.”
To parents, there’s no greater joy than providing an environment for their children to thrive again. Gina, now settled into her new home with her teenage daughter, described a moment that captured this joy: “When I got to unlock the door, and open it, and watch my daughter put her room together, it was the greatest feeling in the world. It really was.”
These mothers we serve demonstrate extraordinary resilience and love. They’ve worked so hard to regain stability for their children, often against overwhelming odds. Sometimes, all it takes is a helping hand to turn the tide. We’re honored to walk alongside them, offering support as they create new beginnings for themselves and their children.