Rock Bottom to Renewal
At the heart of every Cycle of Hope is an individual who has persevered in the face of unexpected challenges and a community ready to do their part to help bring hope to those most in need. Like every Furnish Hope recipient, Kerstin’s story is uniquely her own and an example of how one person's journey, from rock bottom to renewal, can be a source of comfort and inspiration to others.
There was a time in Kerstin’s life when she and her family were settled: her husband had a stable construction job, and she was a recognized community organizer and activist. They lived in a beautiful home with their three sons until a series of unfortunate events suddenly caused everything to unravel.
There was a time in Kerstin’s life when she and her family were settled: her husband had a stable construction job, and she was a recognized community organizer and activist. They lived in a beautiful home with their three sons until a series of unfortunate events suddenly caused everything to unravel.
The secure, comfortable life they had known abruptly changed. They lost their house, their financial foundation and their stability. Faced with this loss and darkness, Kerstin and her husband relapsed into addiction and eventually lost what they cherished most: custody of their children. At her lowest moment, Kerstin found herself “all alone, at rock bottom, in my car and in the winter cold with nobody but my own reflection and demons to keep me company.”
With a tremendous amount of courage and faith, Kerstin made the decision to get clean and regain her life - the life she was worthy of, and the life her family deserved. After being homeless for two years, the family has been reunited and continues to make great strides, including moving into a new home.
Thanks in large part to NeighborImpact, a Redmond-based organization meeting the needs of more than 55,000 households each year in Central Oregon, Kerstin and her family received affordable housing assistance.
NeighborImpact then referred Kerstin's family to Furnish Hope and we were able to provide the comforts of home, including bedroom and living room furnishings and kitchen essentials donated by the community. With immense gratitude for the various layers of support, they have embraced their new home and regained what matters most: family, joy, a little levity and the promise of a better tomorrow.
“I know that words are all I have at this moment, but I hope you forever remember that my family and all that we have has been made to be with the help from you all! Thank you!”
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