The Difference a Year Can Make

“Today I want to celebrate something truly powerful. I had the honor of walking alongside Shelley on her journey to housing, and it has been nothing short of inspiring.

After 19 years without a place to call her own, and 4 of those years living behind Walmart in a tent, Shelley is finally moving into her own apartment. For so long, she didn’t want to accept help from anyone. With time, trust, and support, doors began to open.

With the help of Self Help and collaboration with KTHA, she was given an opportunity in a set of apartments she was once banned from. Instead of letting her past define her, the property manager recognized her growth and gave her a second chance.

This has been an emotional ride for Shelley. Filled with ups, downs, and breakthroughs. Not only is she getting housed, she also went to trucking school and passed! Proof of her determination and strength to keep moving forward.”

-Natalie Hernandez (CSS, Salt + Light)

Shelley’s story is a powerful example of why we never give up on anyone—and why community matters so deeply. It took countless touchpoints, trust built over time, and the commitment of our team to walk with her every step of the way. For some of us, this was even more personal—she was a sister-in-law to one staff member, and a longtime friend to another. Each relationship, each act of care, played a role in helping Shelley move forward. And now, one year after waking up to life outside of jail, she gets to wake up and celebrate in her very own home. That’s the kind of transformation that shows what’s possible when love, persistence, and community come together.