Client Stories | Martha's Village and Kitchen

Jason

“I want to be able to come back and show everyone how I succeeded, and I want to help give back.”

He was bruised and shaken, but – mercifully – had survived with no permanent injuries. This was the day Jason finally broke down and realized he needed help.

Jamie

“MVK helps you become more independent and responsible.”

After a devastating house fire, Jamie and her children became homeless.

Gregory

“I am proud to be maintaining a healthier outlook on life, Success is found at Martha’s Village and Kitchen.”

Homeless and alone Gregory came to Martha’s ready for a change.

Kimberly

“The one thing I am most proud of that I accomplished at MVK, is I did something’s on my own that I didn’t think I could do. “

Kimberly and her family’s relationship turned in a different direction causing her to become homeless with only her 5-month-old son.

Jeff

“The staff are so open to talking and are very helpful. They really want to know about your strengths and expand your knowledge to help.”

Jeff has been having difficulties finding work and a place to live and came into our Palm Springs Outreach offices for help and support.

Stacy

“I will take pride in everything I do, you really don’t know what you have until you lose it all.”

Stacy and her grandson walked into Martha’s Village and Kitchen with nowhere to turn. She lost her home, car and her job. Stacy had run out of resources from family and friends.

La Cherri

“I plan to keep going to the top. MVK taught me that once I put my mind to something, I can do it.”

La Cherri and her 4 children had nowhere to go when her living situations made a turn for the worse. Thankfully Martha’s Village & Kitchen had beds for the family to turn to.

Ashley

“At MVK, you will be taken care of and you will have plenty of time to get back on your feet with all of the resources they provide.”

Ashley was struggling financially and was on her way to becoming homeless. She reached out to Martha’s Village & Kitchen for support during her hard time. Ashley knew Martha’s Village would help her get on the right track.

Stephanie

“When I got to Martha’s Village & Kitchen, it was our first meal in two days. “

Stephanie and her 4 year old daughter Brooklyn came a long distance to find a safe and secure place with a bed to finally sleep on. Thankfully Martha’s Village & Kitchen was able to help.

Ladora

“Martha’s has helped me find order and structure in my daily life by helping me find employment. My success story is a product of the tirelessly executed work ethic by the staff here at Martha’s”

Chef Ladora came to Martha’s by life’s most fortuitous turnings and failings. After the death of her mother, feeling the emptiness of her loss, and battling with substance abuse, Chef found herself struggling with great grief.

Alexandra and Frankie

“Staff truly does care for us.” Frankie

Alexandra and Frankie needed a new start. Struggling with their five children was hard enough. Thankfully they came across Martha’s Village and Kitchen.

German

“Staff go above and beyond in being supportive and making me feel comfortable.”

German is an 18-year-old man who was in need of housing and support from Martha’s Village & Kitchen. Far from home, he had nowhere to go and was referred by his local high school for services. Through the efforts of staff, German found not only his independence but a place to return home to.

Josie

Josie worked hard and gained success at Martha’s Village and Kitchen.

Josie needed safe and permanent housing. She moved into Martha’s and found not only housing, but she gained new skills that will help her throughout her career path as well.

Helen

“I am so grateful to Martha’s Village and Kitchen, the City of La Quinta, and KD Housing Partners for all that they have done for me. Me and my girls are so excited to be in our own place!”

Helen and her two daughters, Anna and Alena, moved into Martha’s Village & Kitchen in late 2017. She completed all of the agency’s self-sufficiency and resource development classes and was a model client! She secured employment, and has recently been promoted! Helen and her girls received special help from the City of La Quinta and KD Housing Partners, Inc.

Ernest

“They saved my life and I am eternally grateful for all their help.”

Ernest was homeless and struggling with crippling depression for about a month before entering the residential program here at Martha’s Village & Kitchen. He worked hard and sought help for his depression, he is now employed and living in his own place.

Samantha

“Coming to Martha’s was the best thing that happened to me.”

Samantha struggled for almost a year before coming into Martha’s Village & Kitchen for help with her four children. In working through the program and some personal obstacles, Samantha and her family are moving out into a place to call home.

Jose

Jose is working to end his cycle of homelessness for good.

Jose struggled with the lack of a stable home as a child. He was in and out of jail, and he struggled with bouts of homelessness. Now as an adult, Jose is working toward reaching his goals and breaking his cycle of homelessness forever. Click the button below to find out more about Jose.

Ryan and Heather

“The fear has finally left. Even if we left now, we would be ok now because of MVK. I am able to keep my family together.”

Ryan and Heather came to Martha’s Village and Kitchen in December, after the house they were renting was deemed uninhabitable. They not only lost their home, but everything inside of it as well! They arrived at Martha’s Village and Kitchen with nothing but the clothes on their back. Find out more about Ryan and Heather here:

Sharyn M.

Sharyn set goals and remained determined. She has shown great strength while residing at MVK!

Sharyn and her family struggled with a stable income which caused them to lose every place they rented. Sharyn made a big effort to make an important change in her life to make it better. She set goals and remind determined. Find out more about Sharyn here:

Diana

“Martha’s has given me an opportunity again, I’m very thankful for everything here.”

Diana hit a bump in the road with a job she held for 3 years. Soon, she was unable to provide for herself, and she became homeless. Diana worked hard to find employment using the Career and Education Center, and worked closely with her Case Manager to turn her situation around. Find our more about Diana here:

Nick

“I am so excited since it has been over 15 years since I have had a place to call my own.”

Nick has been in and out of hospitals and assisted care programs for several years. After a series of life events, he found himself homeless. Nick found out about Martha’s, and has made great strides to becoming housed. Learn more about Nick here:

Jessica

“Thank you Jesus, I have a room, a bed and a toilet with a door!”

Jessica had to leave her son with family until she was able to find a secure home for the both of them. She came to Martha’s Village and Kitchen and found security. Click here to read more about her story:

Noe

“I feel safe”

Noe has struggled with homelessness throughout his lifetime. He is now employed full time and is looking into obtaining a place of his own. Click here to find out how he overcame his struggles.

Christina

“If it wasn’t for my case managers and Rosa, I don’t know where I would be.”

Christina had the strength and dedication to overcome several challenges that she has faced in her life. As a college graduate and an employee within the medical field, Christina never thought she would be the one to need the support Martha’s Village and Kitchen. Click here to read more about her story:

Martin

“Martha’s saved my life.”

Martin spent many hot summer nights sleeping in the park when one phone call changed his life. Martin was offered a room at Martha’s Village and Kitchen where he received the help he needed to replace his expired license, get his social security card, and find stable employment. Click here to read more about his story:

Jennifer R.

Jennifer and two of her kids receiving a car donation from Fix Auto.

Jennifer and her children became homeless after struggling financially, and were sleeping in a friend’s car. Upon entering the Residential Program at Martha’s Village and Kitchen, Jennifer utilized the Career and Education department and was diligent in her job searching. After finding secure employment and reliable transportation, Jennifer and her family are now thriving self-sufficiently.

Nikki R.

“I would recommend Martha’s to anyone else who needs a fresh start in making a better life for themselves.” – Nikki

Before entering Martha’s Transitional Housing program, Nikki spent nine months at a faith-based substance abuse facility. This time spent away from her husband and children were difficult, but gave Nikki a clear vision of what she needed to accomplish in order to reunite her family. Read more here:

Adrian and Family

Adrian’s four children are doing well in school and now have a stable home!

It was a solemn homecoming for Adrian. After living in Washington for 20 years, Adrian came back to the Coachella Valley for a funeral when he made the decision to stay for good. Adrian, his wife, and four young children came to Martha’s for help with employment, affordable housing and lifestyle changes. The family of six has now moved into a home of their own. Read more of their story here:

Christian

Christian is loving her new, full-time job as a housekeeper at a local resort.

When Christian found out a family member in California needed help, Christian and her family made the trip from Michigan to California. After less than two weeks, the family of 9 was in need of a place to stay. With little work experience, Christian used the resources available to her at Martha’s and secured a full-time job with benefits. Read more about the future for Christian and her family:

Jennifer and Leroy

Jennifer and Leroy, all smiles, right before they moved into their own apartment!

A period of traumatic life setbacks caused Jennifer to feel insecure in her ability to find a job, insecure about her appearance, and even doubtful of her ability to care for her 16 month old son, Leroy. Now, Jennifer has a steady job and has been living self-sufficiently with her son in their own apartment for 6 months. Read more about the mother and son’s life changing experience with Martha’s:

Gary and Family

“Martha’s is a blessing”

The birth of Gary’s son motivated him to turn his life around. From living in his car and using drugs, Gary is finding happiness in his sobriety and working hard to provide a better life for his family. Read more about Gary and his story:

Lisa J.

“Forever grateful to Martha’s!” – Lisa J.

Lisa found kindness, respect and the help she needed during her stay at Martha’s Village and Kitchen. Lisa is now back on her feet and has successfully exited the program. Read more of Lisa’s kind words to Martha’s:

Lisa and Family

Lisa and her family have recently exited the transitional housing program successfully!

Lisa and her family have recently exited Martha’s transitional housing program for an apartment of their very own. Read more about Lisa’s journey and her departing letter to Martha’s Village and Kitchen:

Elizabeth and Family

Elizabeth secured full-time employment and now has a three bedroom apartment of her own.

Elizabeth and her family came to Martha’s when they realized it was time for a change. Elizabeth now has a full-time job and successfully transitioned out of Martha’s to a three bedroom apartment of her own. Read more about Elizabeth’s experience:

Kathy

Kathy has recently bought a car, secured a job and is applying for affordable housing.

Kathy shared with us her story from being a military wife to ending up homeless. Kathy has recently purchased her own car, secured a job and is applying for affordable housing. Read more about the struggles that brought Kathy to Martha’s and what the future has in store for Kathy and her baby girl: