I want to begin by saying how much the Housing Resource Center of Monterey County (HRC) appreciates the ongoing support of the Women’s Council of Realtors (WCR).

This has been a great partnership, and we are thrilled that the WCR has, once again, selected HRC to benefit from the proceeds of today’s event.

Last year, HRC housed a total of 82 families — 320 individuals — living homeless in Monterey County.  

Families like Mrs. Johnson’s – a mother trying to escape a domestic violence relationship with her 4 lovely girls.  These children are, in her words, “the reason I breathe.”  In gathering her courage to leave this abusive relationship, she – and her girls – became homeless, in order to be “safe.”

Depressed and discouraged, she lived in her car, and stayed in occasional motels. However, she never gave up on trying to establish a solid foundation for her girls.

“When I was referred to HRC, my blessing came true.  I had previously been denied an apartment due to the ongoing domestic disputes when the girls’ father would track me down.

However, I wrote a letter and the manager informed me I had been pre-approved for a 3-bedroom, 2-bath apartment.

HRC has made a big impact on my life and I will never forget this blessing, or take it for granted.  I hope and pray that HRC remains a source of hope that continues and changes people’s lives in the future.”

Mrs. Johnson is just one of so many families who come through our doors seeking hope.

So, thank you, again, everyone for your support of HRC. Your generosity today will help maintain critical housing services for those experiencing homelessness in our community.  Most of all, it will help transform lives.

On behalf of all our neighbors, friends and family living homeless in our community, we deeply appreciate your friendship and support.