Kelove’s Bridging Story: A Circle of New Beginnings
“Bridging was the beginning of my journey. It was the start of my life,” says Kelove.
Kelove remembers furnishing her home at Bridging after securing a referral from the YWCA, a Bridging agency partner.
“I was totally shocked that I got to walk in and pick out what I wanted for each room. I furnished my whole home with beds, couches, a kitchen table, pots and pans, and blankets — everything my family needed. I felt excited and blessed.”
After her furniture was delivered and the boxes were unpacked, Kelove exhaled, hugged her kids, and felt a sense of relief.
“I remember all of us — my kids and me — sitting down on the couch. I sighed with relief. With the furniture in and the pictures on the walls, it changed from a house into a home. I remember saying, “We have a home now.”
“I also remember thinking to myself, ‘I can’t wait to get on my feet!’ I felt motivated. I knew right then and there, I wanted to give back in a big way. I was ready to make something of myself.”
That was eight years ago.
Ever since, Kelove’s empathy, resilience, and passion for helping people have propelled her forward as a housing stabilization advocate who works tirelessly to help individuals and families navigate systems and inequities to safe and affordable housing.
“Bridging was the beginning, the day from which good things started happening in my life,” she says. “I set and achieved goals. I signed up for college. I got my first home in Minnesota. I started working jobs in helping professions that would get me to where I am today. Now I have my own business, and I’m helping people secure housing and the stability they deserve.”
“I’m gathering the tools and resources to help people get connected to housing. The first time I helped a man get into housing, he sat down and cried. I knew then that I could do housing stabilization for my career. I love what I do.”
Kelove recently contacted Bridging to find out how she might become an agency partner. Her goal is to connect clients to a foundational home setup of furniture and essential household goods.
“Talking with Amy in Client Services, I had a moment when things came full circle,” she says. “I remembered when I started from scratch. I have come from the struggle, going through homelessness and COVID. As a single mom, I realized how much Bridging means to me. It means a place where someone can get beautiful and needed things to fill their home and get a fresh start.”
“I remember the blessings of Bridging. Ever since, I’ve been trying to give back. That will always be one of my life goals.”