One of my key sources of meaning and purpose in this work is how we are able to help in real life our most vulnerable residents. A colleague of mine said he thinks love is overrated, that what really matters is the power of what we actually do for others. That makes sense to me, but I think it doesn’t acknowledge why we do what we do. I put all this together in one word: Grace. Grace is love in action. Our team is in the business of giving grace through shelter and services to for our most vulnerable residents, many who have felt forgotten or judged after years of service to family and the community.
Debbie was born and raised in San Jose in the Seven Trees neighborhood and attended Andrew Hill High School. As a mom, she spent 20 years caring for two of her children with chronic illnesses, right up through the time her resources and options ran out. Gladys worked for High Technology companies for 20 years. When they were outsourced, she worked three jobs until she had a heart attack. Gladys finally bought a mobile home when she knew her current housing wasn’t an option, only to see that vehicle taken, when she ran out of choices. Kent was coming through addictions and pulling his family back together when tragedy struck and he started to lose hope and resolve.
All three are life-long San Jose or Santa Clara County residents.
All of them were blessed eventually by counselors and county services that brought them temporary shelter and services.
All of these community members are now housed and thriving at Leigh Avenue Senior Apartments.
All of us, our relatives, our friends, but by grace, could have been in the same position, could be in need now, or may be in need in the future. I am surrounded by a mission driven team that is an instrument of this grace in a real way, from the board room, to the construction site, to the classroom, to the food bank.
Thank you to all our partners for the incredible work they do to serve our over four thousand residents. You are love in action.
