Collins Family Hope House Testimonial
On June 1st of 2021, Rebecca, Francis and their 7 month old son, Giacomo, arrived at the Hope House in Medford, thanking God for the miracle of a roof over their heads and a safe place to sleep.
Having spent several nights prior on the Greenway with their baby and nowhere else to turn, this refuge became their savior. When they arrived, they had $50 and two bags, one of which was full of baby diapers and clothes. The other, food. Dire conditions led to their bleak circumstances; they had nothing. The Hope House was literally their HOPE for a better life.
Fast forward to January of 2023, they have spent the last 19 months at the Hope House. In that time, they have acquired jobs, travelled to Portland’s Doernbecher Hospital for Children to address a health issue for their son, and dealt with a life-or-death health scare in August of 2021 when Francis spent 10 days in the hospital for Pneumonia & Covid. They've also purchased a car, built up savings, and made their way up the staircase of the Hope House program, graduating from the family dorm to a studio, and finally moving into a two-bedroom apartment where they currently reside.
"Through it all, the staff have been extraordinary; they prayed for us when Giacomo required surgery on his foot and Francis was in the ICU. Our son is now able to walk, and Francis’ health is better than ever. They constantly offer words of kindness and support while suggesting resources and opportunities for us to better our lives. As a result, we have been able to obtain our Oregon State Life Insurance Licenses and have ventured down the new career path of helping protecting peoples’ families in the most difficult times of losing a loved one."
Now on the verge of moving out on their own without government assistance of any kind, they hope to be a light and an example to others about the amazing opportunity this special place provides.
"Shortly after our arrival, a staff attendant said to us, 'My hope is that you leave here better than you came.' Once hearing that sage advice we decided to make that our mantra to truly improve our lives, and we have. Hope House has been a genuine place of uplifting for us. It has been a place of recovery to launch ourselves into a much better life. We are forever grateful for having been admitted into the Hope House program."
Rebecca, Francis and Giacomo offer a special thanks to Majors Randy and Jonnette, Jessica, Operations Manager, Nic, Life Skills worker, and Carolyn, Suzanne, Michael, Chester, Ashley, Jose, Samantha and their fellow program participants.