Shelter House - Patrick Henry Family Shelter

Ashley Jones

This is a great shelter. My only thing I wish they had was volunteers that could help single working mothers. Get school aged children off the bus and help with homework or whatever they need until like 5pm. Some single mothers do not have help from family and friends it makes it hard for mothers to keep their job.

M. Smith

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 grateful. <3

Judith Alarcon

Everytime I go to the front desk for help when I arrive there's a gentleman that goes above and beyond to help. That positive attitude really makes a difference during these times.

When We’re Poetic

I find it incredibly disgusting that this establishment threatened to tow away my vehicle for parking in the only handicap spot in the parking lot. They claim it to be theirs when they share the entire parking lot with an apartment building. There is no sign and this is because this is illegal. You can request a handicap spot but any handicap person with handicap placards or tags can park there. I am 7 months pregnant and a resident of the apartment building. I’m being denied a right at a place I live for people who spend a couple hours working there. I have every right to park there. If a disabled and pregnant woman could be treated so poorly by this establishment I can only imagine the people they actually claim to serve. I’m embarrassed for them.