Transformation

Yvette was attracted to Community Church because it had a parking spot. She and her partner, Josh, had nowhere to go. Living in a motor home, they parked in front of the church for close to a year. “The police were always messing with us, and it was drama, but because of Dr. Ben, we got to stay.”  Yvette is a widow with four children, one of whom has passed away. She was adopted, finding out on her 51st birthday, that her birth mother lived in Alameda. In her own words, Yvette was a “severe alcoholic.” At the suggestion of her physician, Dr. Sims, she became involved in one of the many AA groups that meets at the church. She became a secretary for the 7:00 a.m. AA meetings and she started to go to church services. People were cordial. “Everybody talked to me when I was out in the courtyard.”

Unlike the reception she received from other churches, Yvette was struck by how nicely people treated her at Community Church. She never felt that people were above her, or that she was not worthy since she was a homeless mom. She shared that “Dr Ben had a lot to do with that.” Yvette says, “I like the fact that our church is open to anybody, no matter what you are, who you are, whatever.”

Yvette enjoys singing in the choir. She reveals, “I’m grateful for the choir since it’s one of the few places during the week where I laugh.”  She loves the camaraderie and friendships that she’s made. “There’s no way I would be where I am now, if it weren’t for the church and the friends I have made.”  

A few years ago, Yvette became ill with severe pulmonary hypertension. She almost died at age 59. Although the doctors were suggesting palliative care, Roger and Harry insisted that she get a second opinion. She was immediately hospitalized after seeing the second specialist. She spent eight days in the ICU. She believes that the church and choir members praying for her helped save her life. After recovering from her near-death experience, she says “everything looks, tastes, and feels different.” With all the pain she was experiencing, she was planning to die soon. She says “I want to let everybody in the church know that the power of prayer is what saved me. Dr. Sims calls it a miracle.”

Yvette is no longer homeless. She has lived in her place of residence for five years. She credits the church and members, like Roger and Harry, for her transformation, including securing Section 8 housing and improving her life. She has become an advocate for the homeless and the downtrodden. Her goal is to help our church understand the homeless population, and have more members advocate, since there is strength in numbers. 

The impact of the church’s programs on Yvette’s life has been profound. Thanks to the generosity of the congregation, the church continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals throughout the community.

Written by Chris Chang Weeks