From Rock Bottom to Rising Hope: Matrey’s Journey
When life unraveled for Matrey and her three kids, it did so fast. A separation from her children’s father, the loss of housing assistance, and eventually, the painful reality of homelessness left her desperate for help. “It was a little rocky for us,” she said, looking back on the season that preceded her arrival at City of Refuge.
Without stable housing and facing a three-week limit at a domestic violence shelter, Matrey didn’t wait for a miracle—she went out looking for one. At a gas station, she approached a stranger and asked for help. Incredibly, that stranger referred her to City of Refuge. It was the beginning of a profound change.
Within just a week and a half, she completed her intake application and was admitted to City of Refuge with her children—miraculously, as she put it, “squeezed through the needle.”
“The best shelter I’ve ever seen.”
Matrey soon realized that City of Refuge was no ordinary shelter. It became stability, dignity, and a source of hope. “From day one, people were very welcoming,” she said. “I really admire how everything is so structured. They're very hands-on.” What touched Matrey most were the small things: daily meals, a safe space to rest, and the cleanliness and order that signaled care and intentionality.
“It’s the best shelter I’ve ever seen.”
One of Matrey’s biggest champions during her time was her case manager, Regan. “She was always great, always up to date...staying on top of things.” But Matrey brought her own fire. “I was always ten steps ahead...I was really focused on my goals.”
While she and her kids lived in Eden Village, Matrey worked in the on-site daycare, which allowed her to balance employment with her family’s needs. Eventually, she landed a job with Insurance Auto Auctions, where she now works in title services.
A Future Built on Hope
Perhaps the most emotional part of Matrey’s journey was the move into her new townhome—something she had always dreamed of. Thanks to Furnish with Love, a partner organization, her new space came fully furnished. “They asked about the kids’ preferences, my preferences, and then they literally set a date to come out and furnish the home for us. When they brought me back to see everything, I was in tears. It was such a blessing.”
City of Refuge didn’t just help Matrey get back on her feet—it helped her find hope again. “[They] gave me the sense that things are possible. You just have to stay strong. You gotta get through the storm.”
When asked what she would say to donors who make the work of City of Refuge possible, she grew emotional. “Whether they know it or not, you’re helping lives and souls. When you go to sleep at night, know that you’ve done something great for someone’s life.”
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