Our Stories

At Many Mansions, we create vibrant communities that house residents who have overcome incredible obstacles. Their stories are heartfelt, compelling, and demonstrate the resiliency of the human spirit. The successes of our residents remind us that with support and access to resources, a life beyond poverty and homelessness is attainable.

These narratives celebrate the achievements of our community members and highlight the impact of Many Mansions’ critical work to help the most vulnerable thrive.


A Humbling Experience
Emily

Emily-B-500x333

Before Many Mansions, I was in a rough spot. Because we had lost our home, my son and I were sleeping on the floors of friends’ houses and anywhere I could find. I tried to keep our situation hidden from my son to keep things as normal as possible for him. It was a really challenging and humbling experience.

And then Ventura County Behavioral Health connected me with Many Mansions. It was overwhelming to get that kind of help. Now that I’m going to school, my goals are to finish and get a degree in Art Therapy. Many Mansions provided me with resources and support. Their caring team helped me to set monthly goals and remain accountable. It’s helped me see that there are people out there that want to see me succeed. That support alone has kept me going, and I’ve gotten somewhere where I didn’t ever think was possible before.

I’m forever grateful to Many Mansions for their help. I’m in awe at all the opportunities that have presented themselves because of them. I don’t know where I would be today without Many Mansions, but I’m definitely better off than I would have been.

 


A New Hope
Kevin

A Photo Of Kevin – A Thankful Many Mansions Individual

I was homeless, living in the bushes, trees, on the freeway ramps—wherever I could get away from the police. Now that I live in Many Mansions, my life is dramatically better. I have an apartment and support, thanks to Behavioral Health and Many Mansions. They’ve been very patient with me through my breakdowns and crises, making sure that I’m alive every day and trying to make me feel better. Thanks for everything


Health Comes First
Caroline

A Photo Of Caroline – A Thankful Many Mansions Individual

Before Many Mansions, I was running low on options. I have a mental illness and I was trying to do my best. Through Many Mansions, I was able to put my health first. I needed that more than anything, and I really appreciate all that they’ve done for me. Before Many Mansions, I was never going to have enough resources to live on my own with just SSI (I was too sick to understand that). Before Many Mansions, I could never live independently. Through Many Mansions, I was given a chance to be healthy and now, I’m able to function in the community. I feel like I’m on top of the world some days, and that’s such a good feeling that I thought I would never have again. I just wanted to say thank you so much. It’s been wonderful living here.


Thank You Many Mansions
Anne

A Photo Of Anne – A Thankful Many Mansions Individual

I was homeless for five years. I had no income at that time. I was moving around and living on people’s couches for a couple of weeks here and there. I couldn’t move forward with my life because I never knew where I was going to be. This made it difficult to get a job. Now, I live in a stable environment and I love it. I know where I am going and can make arrangements to get a ride. Many Mansions holds helpful workshops that give help with resumes and how to get acclimated to the community. I have been able to get a job and it’s been wonderful. I love having a home. When I got here, I had nothing, and they just provided so much for us. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I am so grateful. It’s made such a difference in my life


Many Mansions Provided Stability For My Family
Raquel

Racquel-B-500x333

Before Many Mansions, we lived in Oxnard. We were never stable because I suffer from depression and anxiety. Whenever I got anxious and was ready to get up and go, we would move.

Living here has given us stability. My daughter said this is the longest we’ve ever been in one place, and that’s 3 years. Many Mansions has given us the stability to excel and do great things. My daughter has so many more opportunities out here, and she’s just doing so great since we’ve been stable.