Welcome Home, Corina!
Corina stands inside her apartment with the keys to her new home while holding her dog, Dory.
One of the first photos we took of Corina and Dory the day we met them at a riverbed in Downey.
After 12 years of experiencing homelessness, Corina has made it home! Although all of us at KCB are excited for Corina, this news is especially heartwarming to some members on the team who have known her within the past few years.
Our team first met Corina while doing homeless outreach at a riverbed in Downey in the beginning of 2020 right before the Covid pandemic hit our community. Even though our first interaction with Corina was a while ago, we remember her being very friendly and approachable, joking that we could take her photo as long as we gave her a second to put on her makeup. We also remember the affection she showed her dog, Dory, who she referred to as her “ride-or-die” while sharing a couple stories about how her beloved companion protected her at times when she needed it. That first meeting with Corina was special, and we admired her strength from the start.
Corina trimming the bushes with a hedge trimmer while working at Good Soil Industries.
The following year brought opportunity for Corina. She was working at Good Soil Industries, our social enterprise landscape company, and she did well, soon transitioning to full-time work at GSI. As the only woman working at GSI at the time, our team enjoyed cheering her on and empowering her in her work. Her GSI Employment Case Manager shared that “Corina will always have a special place in my heart.” Eventually, Corina moved on from GSI and focused on her housing while staying at New Hope Shelter. Corina was there for two years until she finally found the place for her and Dory with the help of her housing navigators.
Corina's journey to this new home wasn't without its doubts and uncertainties. When first introduced to the property, she was hesitant to move in due to concerns of it possibly not being the safest place for her to live. Yet, fate had its way of bringing her back to the property a year later, and she was delighted to discover that the location had transformed into a safe and quiet haven. Her decision to wait the first time she saw the property was a testament to her patience and determination to find the right place where she knew she’d do well, because the journey to housing for Corina was never just about finding shelter; it was about building a home where she could thrive and forge a new life for herself.
Dory stands next to Corina at a riverbed in Downey.
When asked about her feelings regarding her new home, Corina radiated joy and gratitude. She described her new place as "awesome" and expressed excitement about personalizing it to her liking. She also discussed how Dory shares in this newfound happiness, adapting beautifully to their new life together. Most importantly, she shared how she has cherished the moments spent with her kids, like when they bake together. She eagerly anticipates their visits every weekend.
Overall, Corina’s story is one of resilience, determination, and the beauty of human connection. Although there were times she felt like quitting her housing search, she did not and pressed on with the support of our team and partners from other agencies, like Pacific Clinics and New Hope Shelter. Her story serves as a reminder that compassion can transform lives and that even in the darkest of times, hope can shine through.
HOW TO SUPPORT CORINA
The power of community support cannot be understated. Corina asks for our prayers, and that's a beautiful way to support her. Some prayer requests are:
For Community - please pray that Corina is connected to a nurturing community that uplifts and supports her.
For Her Family - please pray that she experiences a constant stream of blessings while she nurtures and strengthens her bond with her children.
For Her Job Search - please pray that she uncovers job opportunities aligned with her talents and passions, leading to a fulfilling and satisfying career.
Additionally, the community can extend a helping hand by providing grocery gift cards, allowing her to continue her transition into her new home with less financial burden. You can drop off your donations for Corina at our office located at 16429 Bellflower Blvd. on Mondays or Tuesdays from 1pm to 4pm or schedule another time to drop them off by calling our office at 562-804-2189.
Thank you for supporting, Corina, during this season of transition!