Valerie

Meet Valerie- a mother, a grandmother, and a woman who has rediscovered hope, purpose, and belonging at ACCESS.

After raising her grandchildren for 17 years, Valerie found herself facing an unfamiliar and painful reality. With the children grown and moved on, she encountered financial hardship that eventually led to homelessness. “I was alone and didn’t know what to do,” she recalls. “I had spent so many years taking care of everyone else—and then suddenly, there was no one there.”

Unsure of where to turn, Valerie called 2-1-1 for help. As a low-barrier shelter, we were able to meet Valerie’s needs and welcome her without judgment or requirements.

“The day I arrived, I was terrified—like a little kid,” she says. “But the staff were so kind. They showed me to my room, introduced me to the programs, and treated me with respect. That made all the difference. I felt safe.”

Since arriving, Valerie has become an active part of the ACCESS community. She participates in workshops, joins daily activities, and recently discovered a passion for advocacy. Even with the challenges of her disability, she remains positive and involved.