Client Spotlight: Ellabell

The Light House Gave Me Hope

– Ellabell, Former Light House Resident and B.E.S.T. Student

Ellabell’s beautiful smile lights up her face. She has a home, a steady job and a sparkling new set of teeth. This small but mighty 58 year-old credits The Light House for giving her the hope and faith she needed to help herself succeed.

“I used to go up to 206 West Street every day to get lunch,” she recalls. “When I became homeless, that was the first place I went. I came to The Light House on a Friday, and they had a bed for me on Monday.”

The Light House provided Ellabell with food and shelter and something more: hope and faith that she could make a better life for herself and her family.

“I graduated from the B.E.S.T. Program, got a job, paid off my debt and found my own apartment. Before my mother passed away, I was able to tell her that I had a home for myself and my boys.”

Ellabell gives back by volunteering every Sunday and at B.E.S.T. graduations. Last year she learned that an anonymous donor wanted to provide the funds she needed to get her teeth fixed.

“There is so much help they give you here, but you got to help yourself. You gotta stay strong and keep moving. I’ll be 59 in January and I’ve got my smile back!”