Jennifer, a former client of COTS’ Kids First Family Shelter, spoke at Hops for Homes about her experience at COTS. After being welcomed to speak by COTS Program Director Garett Crane, Jennifer began by expressing deep gratitude to COTS and all the individuals who supported her and her son during the challenging period following the aftermath of COVID. Her voice wavered as that gratitude seeped into every word.
Although Jennifer had a good job, a strong network of friends, and what appeared to be a stable life, an unexpected turn of events left her facing homelessness—something she never imagined would happen to her. Lacking sufficient family support, she quickly found herself overwhelmed and unsure of where to turn. It wasn’t until her son’s doctor referred them to COTS that a path forward began to emerge. Through that connection, she was introduced to a network of organizations that helped her and her son begin to rebuild their lives.
While staying at the Kids First Family Shelter, she and her son received essential support, including clothing, shelter, and food, providing major relief during a very stressful time. One moment Jennifer recalled most vividly was the Christmas they spent without a home. Sitting in a shelter, unable to provide for her son during the holidays, she felt heartbroken and devastated. But thanks to the generosity of sponsors and families who stepped in, they were able to experience an unforgettable Christmas. Her son called it the best Christmas he had ever had—even jokingly asking if they could stay at COTS for more Christmases.
Today, Jennifer is giving back by volunteering with some of the very organizations that once supported her. She now holds a fulfilling job, and she and her son have been living in their own apartment for nearly a year. Having previously spent years living independently, reclaiming that sense of stability has been deeply empowering. Though she has always viewed herself as resilient, her son was too young to fully grasp the challenges they faced, making their journey back to stability even more meaningful.
Recently, they were approved for more affordable housing through Burbank Housing, giving her the opportunity to remain self-reliant—something she has worked hard to achieve. She emphasized how important it is for people to understand that homelessness can happen to anyone, no matter how secure their life might seem.
She concluded by saying that this program—and the community around it—does not look at people as weak or “lesser than.” Instead, it uplifts those who’ve fallen on hard times, reminding everyone that it truly takes a community to support a family in need. While physical needs have a price, the happiness and hope given to her and her son were priceless. She extended her deepest thanks to everyone involved, saying their purpose and presence had made a life-changing impact on her family.