“Thank you donors and volunteers… now you helped me with my new step for my future.”

—Maria Lopez

In the coming week, we’ll be talking with 31 families about moving into Joshua Station.

That’s a LOT of in-depth exploration and discernment, for them and for us. For us, it’s a big investment of care for each prospective family AND care for the wellness of our resident community who will welcome them as neighbors. For applicants, it’s a huge deep-breath step of risk and hope in their journey out of homelessness. Many wonder if they are ready, not just for housing but more importantly, for community life and a supportive program of goal-setting and dedication.

These 31 families have already taken a first thoughtful step—working their way through an initial questionnaire about whether they might be a good fit for Joshua Station. Now they’ve been invited to an in-person group orientation next week, where they’ll hear more and get a chance for questions.

At the end of the orientation, most will take their second step—formal application. Soon after, each family will have one-on-one interview conversations with a Joshua Station staff member.

Finally, the hard decisions! We currently have room for about seven new families, depending on their number of children.

As you can imagine, we hold each applicant’s story and hopes with reverence. “We seek God’s peace for our city through the creative, compassionate, and prayerful development of people and communities.” So much hinges on each decision, we know. Welcoming new families is an essential part of our mission—a process of faith, trust, and ultimately joy.

Seven spaces. What makes that possible? For one thing, our current residents are making big forward steps out into stable housing! “Bittersweet” is the word often heard these days. We’re celebrating! And feeling each loss, because each family has become deeply interwoven with friendships. Thankfully the friendships will endure, often for lifetimes.

What else makes it possible? “I want to thank you so much, donors and volunteers,” says beloved resident Maria Lopez, who this weekend is moving to a four-bedroom house with her four children. “You changed my life, you changed me, you changed my kids. It was so many kinds of help. Now you helped me with my new step for my future with stable housing.”