Shelter House - Patrick Henry Family Shelter — Attraction in Bailey's Crossroads

I not only lost my job, I lost my car. I had no where to go or lay my head, trying to figure out a way to transport my 7 year old back and forth to school, all while newly pregnant and anxious.

Faith without work is DEAD. I got Sick and Tired of being Sick and Tired, Coming from a very toxic Domestic Violence situation I knew something had to change. I arrived in December of 2021. Immediately, I started applying for jobs, apartments, saving for a car. PHFS has consistent and supportive staff and case managers that will help you, as long as you want to help yourself. I was able to secure a management position, my son was provided transportation by his schools homeless liaison and county resources.. with prayers hard work and many many counseling sessions. I was able to apply for housing, assistance, and even helping me prepare for my baby's arrival. This was definitely a long journey, I wanted to give up. So many times! I would apply to apartment complexes, after switch days off, hoping busses and trains and a lottttt of LYFT rides .. to no avail my application would be denied or it wouldn't fall within my budget :( Had to remain humble and understand my timing was not the Lord's . Many of the PH staff members would take time out of their shift, and assigned tasks to chit chat, offer advice and wisdom. Till this day, some of the MOST kind, understanding, truly genuine "Family" I have ever encountered .

At the front desk, Ms. Samantha was and is a Angel !! If I needed assistance with my unit from cleaning supplies to laundry facilities to maintenance requests ..to paperwork and everything in between. Thank you ! Being a single mother of 1 and one on the way, I considered her a big sister. During the day, or especially during the evening hours, I would visit and chat with Ms. Marie, she would answer any questions I had, especially with raising my son, I found a lot of truth & reason behind every conversation we shared. I lost my mom in 2018 and Ms. Marie took me under her wing and offered unbiased advice no matter what the situation, this is more than a career, this is more than a paycheck. They showed my son and I love. Ms. Marie didn't play though lol definitely held me accountable if I was falling off track. Most of the time she would get me together by just a look ! Lol Thank you Ms.Marie! While transitioning to the shelter and adapting to life and this new set of circumstances my 7 year old was having a hard time in school, difficulty focusing and listening in school, we would also bump heads about homework and behavior in school, after moving into the shelter my son really really enjoyed the guidance and big brother report he had built with Mr.Ahmed. From my son being with drawn and unmotivated... Nervous and iffy about a new environment and new people. After the first fist bump between the two. It was on from there lol my son would run to the front desk whenever Mr. Ahmed was working and just politely ask for his snack, which Mr Ahmed never said no to lol . They would share a cracker or cookie.. sometimes fruit and often have a heart to heart... From school to behavior... To teaching and explaining what patience and humility and GRATITUDE ! to be thankful when things are going good or bad to be thankful no matter what . To try and live peacefully, and righteous.. My son would tell me while walking to our unit, he would tell me how much he liked Mr Ahmed and always thought he was "super nice guy" lol At a time where a positive male role model wasn't always available, Mr. Ahmed consistently set the standard on what a big brother, role model, counselor should be .. Thank you Mr. Ahmed !

About more than halfway through my 6mos stay, I would switch case managers. I still don't know how Ms Vivian does it, but she tirelessly communicated effectively with me and my assigned housing specialists to make SURE I got what I needed. She was always a text or a phone call away ! I never felt like a bother or hinder to her. PH, You all have changed our life's. We are forever...

I arrived to the shelter house with my four children and while expecting my fifth. I didn’t have any place to go or to call our own after leaving my ex husband and coming back home. I can’t express the gratitude we have for PHSH. From the moment I walked in to have my intake I felt like it was a safe place. The staff and directors go above to make you feel supported, like you matter, and have so much positivity when you feel like you’ve hit rock bottom. The front desk staff always greeted me and my children with a smile and warm welcome. Ahmed is such a gentleman with so much wisdom. He not only became more like family, but he made it routine to interact with my children and bring a smile to their faces when we would walk in. Always asked about their day, gave them a treat which was usually fruits, and genuinely cared for each of them. My children would look forward to and still love seeing him when we stop by. He never hesitated to give us supplies when it was needed and helped me tremendously during my pregnancy, and after I gave birth with taking bags and supplies to our unit with my kids. Mrs. Samantha at the front desk is one of the kindest people you will interact with at the SH. She and I became very close and would make me feel like I mattered and that I wasn’t alone. She would always help me with anything that I needed, and was always willing to help out. Vivian & Bobbi the directors were god sends to me and my kids. They helped me with resources, being supportive, and encouraging. Helping with so much that I can’t even write in depth. They were able to help me with transportation situations for my kids, a place to stay prior to going to the shelter house, getting my kids and I what we needed along with referrals to accommodate our needs. I was able to get housing, get a better job, accomplish my goals one at a time, and they never let me down or stopped checking in and caring. I am forever grateful that I met everyone who works at PHSH and for all the help given when I didn’t see light at the end of a dark tunnel. The shelter was one of my greatest blessings when I had to start from zero for myself, and my five children. I would not be where I am today if it wasn’t for this shelter house and the staff who make it what it is....

Patrick Henry family shelter helped me and my children get a place I’m really grateful for everything. They helped me with housing and we’re there for me with any of my needs. And that I truly appreciate. Front desk Mr Ahmed always helps us with household needs and is the most nicest and respectful gentleman he is always encouraging my kids to read and check out a library and get some books. And when my daughter gets off the bus she shows him the books that she likes to read and she shows it to Mr Ahmed who encourages her to read the book and basically give him a summary on what happens. Mr Ahmed is a great role model and he is very wise and my kids like him very much. thank you Mr Ahmed! Ms.samantha is amazing and helps me when I go to work, as they wait for their car to school she watches them while I’m on the way to work thank you and I appreciate you Ms.Samantha Thank you to my Case Worker Ms.Abigail and the director Ms.Bobbi who has helped me from day one with housing and all the resources I’m thankful for life I appreciate everything you’ve done for us. and all the staff and everyone is wonderful and I appreciate it thank...