I am Enough - Takiya's Testimony

"I got two options. I'm either living in this car, or I'm going to call one of these shelters and try to do what I can."

When Takiya arrived at House of Refuge Sunnyslope, she was running out of options.

After moving from Atlanta to Arizona for a fresh start, life took an unexpected turn. Takiya found herself struggling with unemployment, financial hardship, unresolved grief, depression, and the effects of trauma. As a mother, she was doing everything she could to keep moving forward, but eventually she faced the possibility of living out of her car.

On a Friday evening, with nowhere else to turn, Takiya began making calls. House of Refuge Sunnyslope was the first number on her list. A staff member answered and invited her to come the next morning. By 7 a.m., she was there.

Walking into her apartment for the first time, Takiya was overwhelmed. "I was like, how did they just give me a place?"

The safe housing provided by House of Refuge Sunnyslope gave Takiya something she had not had in a long time—stability. For the first time in years, she could focus on more than simply surviving.

Before coming to House of Refuge Sunnyslope, Takiya had carried years of grief and emotional pain. The loss of her mother in 2017 contributed to struggles with depression, and experiences of instability had left deep wounds. During her 14 months in the program, she fully engaged in case management, Celebrate Recovery, classes, and other program opportunities. She returned to therapy, maintained employment, and developed healthier boundaries and decision-making skills.

Takiya credits much of that growth to the support she found at House of Refuge Sunnyslope. Through the structure of the program and the encouragement of staff and fellow residents, she learned to approach life differently. What once felt overwhelming became manageable as she gained confidence, stability, and a stronger sense of purpose.

"I see things so much more clearly now than before."

One of the most meaningful parts of Takiya's journey was the community she found. Through relationships with staff and other residents, she discovered encouragement, accountability, and support. What began as a place to stay became a place where she could heal, grow, and prepare for a more stable future.

"I realize that I do have enough, and that I am enough."

As her time at House of Refuge Sunnyslope comes to an end, Takiya finds herself feeling both excited and emotional. She is preparing to move into her own apartment with her son, a milestone she has worked hard to achieve. At the same time, she knows she will miss the people who have become an important part of her life and support system.

"I'm going to forever be grateful for this place because this is like the steppingstone to the beginning of so many other things."

Today, Takiya is stepping into a new chapter. She will soon be living independently with her son while continuing to pursue the goals she has set for herself. The woman who once feared she might be living in her car is now moving forward with confidence, stability, and hope. Through her determination and the support, she found at House of Refuge Sunnyslope, Takiya has rebuilt her confidence, strengthened her support system, and created a foundation for a brighter future for herself and her family.