L-R Ed, Mikey, Bob, Maria, Victoria & Connor
Wow! What an amazing day we had at the launch of our new Motor Home Housing Program. This past Saturday, January 30 we awarded a motor home to Maria Pollack and her son Mikey at a ceremony hosted by Regalo Virgin Olive Oil. Representatives from three local newspapers covered the event as well as the local access TV station. (See links to stories below)
Maria and her son were overjoyed when they saw the motor home; tears rolled down her face as she expressed her gratitude to everyone involved. Ed and Connie Bermudez donated the RV a few weeks ago. Ed wanted it to go to a homeless family. It was his generosity that started the program.
Victoria Stratton is Maria’s friend and sponsor. Victoria volunteers with Casa Esperanza homeless shelter in Santa Barbara where she heard about our program. She contacted me and told me about Maria and her son Mikey. Like many homeless people, Maria is employed but doesn’t earn enough money to rent an apartment or even buy a car. Maria met Victoria at church a year or so ago and they became friends. In addition to connecting Maria with our program, Victoria is providing a private parking place for the motor home on her property.
More families have contacted us who want to participate in this program. We are looking for more late model motor homes in good shape and people to help us give them a second life. We are also need places to store the RV’s temporarily while we get them ready to distribute to homeless families. If you can help, please call our toll free message line at 877-827-2012 or email us at heartsoffire@ureach.com.
Media Links
Video (courtesy of Barrett Productions)
Absolutely brilliant! I love this simple but perfect idea. Get a tax write off by donating your old RV and give a family a home in the process. This is the kind of contribution that touches profoundly and right here at home.
i need help.i have an rv that runs,its been my
home since ive become disabled.everytime i find a somewhat affordable place to park,i am harrassed and told to move on by ventura county inspectors and police.i am meant to feel like a criminal although i am not and have never been one.i lost my home/house when i got sick and have been in the rv for over 3 years….constantly moving.they just want me to vanish from the face of the earth…and i’m almost at the point to grant them their wish
Thank you for sharing your plight with us. I will share your story and let people know what is really happening out there to good people like you. I will also refer you to a safe parking program and see if they can help you.