I came to Gathering a broken woman, just me and my dog, living in my car. My windows didn’t roll up all the way and it was November so it was very cold and rainy. I came here running from Domestic Violence. The man wanted to kill me so I had no choice but to run and linve in a safe house, but then my time ran out because there is a time limit… I was forced to live in my car. I knew no one, no family, friends, no one. I was cold, hungry, no blankets, no clothes. I did have one thing in my favor. I had signed up and received a Section 8 voucher, but I applied to 32 places but because of my credit history and because I was on disability only making a small income… no one would rent to me.
I suffered for more than 6 months. I parked in front of hotels, in front of businesses, in lighted areas wherever I thought it might be safe. I would come to Gathering because I needed to eat and shower… They provided me with clothes, socks to keep my feet warm, new shoes, dog food, a mailbox.
This one man started chasing me every night in his car, so the case workers hooked me up with an organization that put me far up a hill. There were trees and mountains and no one could find me. The rangers would chop the trees and care for things, but when they did, it would wake the bugs and they would bite all night long. It was awful, but it was safe. I expressed to the Gathering that I couldn’t find a place and that’s when [a case manager] worked her magic to help me. Before that, I remember crying out to God by myself because I couldn’t take it anymore. Everyone tried to help me, but the couldn’t get the results she did.
Gathering also told me before I left if I ever needed help or food or my PG&E gets ahead of me and I can’t afford it, to come get help. I will never forget all the help and arms that have reached out to me from Gathering. It has been such a scary, scary road, but I have finally found my way and God has used the Gathering to guide me and start my life over again and I am so grateful, just me and my dog.
-Written in 2021, Guest housed in 2021
“I feel, personally, and I know this might sound a little intense, but if it wasn’t for the Gathering for Women, I don’t think I would even be here. I feel like they saved my life. And they continue to do it. they just will help you in every way possible. And they treat you with the most respect, I mean, they will listen to you. They will listen to you vent, they will help direct you, they will give you the referral services that you need… And I just feel that this particular organization – the fact that we have them is life-saving and life-changing.
So, I just want to say that Gathering for Women is an important, important organization here. I’d love to see it expand… my journey is a good one because of the Gathering for Women. The [sic] Gathering for Women most definitely has been life-changing for me. if it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be standing here.”
-Guest recorded in 2023
“I had used these services at Gathering for Women for 3+ years. During that time I was able to get several helpful advices [sic] from Anjie Love and was directed to helpful resources. I also enjoyed breakfasts on days when eggs were served and was able to get some clothing that I needed.
I was lucky enough to get a Housing Voucher on September 2024. The housing support I received from Lisa Senkel, the housing navigator, was extremely valuable. I wouldn’t have been successful in having housing in March of 2025, had it not been for Lisa’s knowledge and efforts. Having someone like Lisa who is very knowledgeable about housing, Housing Authority, & other local organizations and is professional in the way she handles things is a very big asset for Gathering for Women. I am very grateful to the housing support I received from Lisa Senkel.”
-Guest housed in 2025, written in 2025
