My name is Laine Gomez, I am writing to share why I support Raphael House as a board member, donor, and someone who has experienced homelessness. As the year draws to a close, I want to thank you for all the ways that you support Raphael House. Your ongoing dedication to this community has allowed Raphael House to serve over 10,000 families in its 54-year history.
I am honored that community members like you trust Raphael House to make a lasting impact in the lives of families experiencing homelessness. As a Board Member, I have been moved by your stories of connection, and am touched to learn how and why you came to support our organization and its programs. Today, I want to share with you my story.
When I was 16, my life changed entirely. One day I was in a warm bed, albeit in an unstable home environment, the next, homeless. I had nowhere to stay and had no plans for my future. I spent nights on cold concrete, often taking refuge on the South End train that connected Essex to London. It was my only source of warmth during rainy British days.
I spent two years fearing everything and everyone. People who I thought I could trust offered directions to the wrong paths. I didn’t know where my next meal would come from or where I could be safe. When I turned 18, I found out I was pregnant and suddenly my life changed. I desperately needed a fresh start, not just for me, but for my now growing family.
I decided to finally accept help, in the form of financial assistance from the government, to keep me and my young daughter alive. It was a difficult path to stability—learning who I could trust, and where I could say yes. Doubt crept in. I almost gave my daughter up for adoption. But I couldn’t do it, not without the guarantee that she would truly be safe. I knew my best bet was myself.
I was lucky to find a support system, a privilege lots of young families don’t have. My family and I now live in Sacramento, with a roof over our heads, and the knowledge that our next meal is within reach. For years, I wanted to give back to the community, and I was looking for organizations that served young mothers like myself. When I first heard of Raphael House, I loved that families could stay together somewhere safe, where they had support to focus on their next steps.
I loved knowing that when families come to Raphael House, they receive private rooms, new clothes, and three meals a day. Raphael House families have a level of stability that allows them to make positive change in their lives. And they’re not alone. Our clients receive personalized case management, help with their housing search, career development services, and more, to build a fresh start. Last year, 88% of Raphael House families exited the Residential Shelter to stable housing!
When you’ve experienced homelessness, it’s hard to imagine making it to the other side. My biggest fear is being homeless again. It stays with you. Raphael House knows that temporary shelter isn’t enough to assuage these fears. We’re proud to provide our families with continued services through our Bridge Program. After families move out of our Residential Shelter, our Bridge Program allows our families to access ongoing case management and children’s services (like free tutoring and school supplies) until their youngest child turns 18. Raphael House builds long-term relationships with their clients, making sure that they have support in navigating a life after homelessness. In fact, 95% of Bridge Families maintain stable housing.
Even in my darkest moments, my survival wasn’t mine alone. There were people who helped me along the way. I am proud to be a part of Raphael House as a helping hand to our families now.
Every member of our Raphael House community has a unique story, and a personal reason for supporting families experiencing homelessness. I give to Raphael House because I think we can all agree that there is no place, and there should be no place on the streets for children. Raphael House keeps families together, and fosters a community that cares about the basics of kindness.
Please join me in renewing your support for families experiencing homelessness. Your end-of-year gift will immediately benefit Raphael House families. If you’ve already made your contribution, thank you for your support!
Thank you for all you’ve done for Raphael House!
With appreciation,
Laine Gomez
Raphael House Board Member
Managing Director, Catalyst Housing
P.S. Don’t forget to make your tax-deductible donation before Dec 31, 2025!
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