Home Oakley Oakley: Community’s Outreach Shatters Stereotypes in Helping Family into a Home

Oakley: Community’s Outreach Shatters Stereotypes in Helping Family into a Home

by ECT

On December 28, Pam Cambra-Sams wrote on her Facebook page: “ISO HELP NOW – For my Christmas Family” – what followed was nothing short of a Holiday Miracle.

A Sales Rep by trade, Pam Cambra-Sams has worked in outreach for years. She works with the toughest hardship cases within our community. Just days after Christmas she was asked to work with a family that needed guidance, but she soon found they urgently needed a home.

“The disabled mom of three had an extension on her housing voucher twice through our county and still could not find a home. They were living on floors and were days away from the street. Because shelters are at capacity, her 12 year old son would be separated if they went into shelter.”

So, just 4-days from the voucher deadline, Cambra-Sams eldest daughter Brittany went on a seemingly endless search and sent Pam from place to place just to hear that their waiting list is a mile long.

Against all odds, they finally secured them a home in Oakley, but needed to take it “As-is”. The home was completely empty, very dirty and in dire need of paint.

“This family has touched me deeply and it is sad to see how truly alone they are.” Cambra-Sams wrote on Facebook, “We were able to secure them a home, but it needs much work. Imagine finally getting a key to a home, walking in with a bag of clothes into an empty house without even window coverings. That is their reality. Please help me create a cozy home so this family can move forward and let them know that “family” can be a community of strangers who care.”

She posted: “We are less than a week away from move in and this homeless family has clothes and a few personal items they can carry and are in need of EVERYTHING”

“In search of:   (CLEAN and in good or excellent condition, FREE) – BEDS and sheets – REFRIGERATOR – Window coverings – Sofa – Kitchen table, plates utensils etc.- Side tables – Lamps – Bedroom dressers“

0_frontAlmost immediately, on Cambra-Sams word alone, Community members fully embraced the idea and stepped into action by looking around and donating pieces of gently used furniture and even appliances such as a washer, dryer and refrigerator.

Others helped by scouring several swap sites for items and getting them donated to the cause. Some gave their time and labor, cleaning, repairing, painting, and decorating. Some volunteered by driving to locations as far away as Pleasanton and Stockton to pick up donated items. Some handed Pam cash without question for use on the deposit.

Many shopped for toiletries and some brought gently used clothes. One by one people dropped off items to the home. The pantry was filled and the home was full of furniture, including a TV.

Kelly Clark kept a spreadsheet to organize Items and services donated so they weren’t taking duplicates. She estimated 75-80 people (and in many cases their families) stepped up to help with the 5-day project.

2_repair_crewWhen the flurry of activity finished, the stunned family was led in to see their new home with gratitude and tears in their eyes. The small team of workers who managed to prepare the house in record time, stayed briefly to welcome them home. A pastor led a prayer to bless the house. Everyone laughed and cried. The family later enjoyed homemade beef stew and muffins left freshly cooked for them on the stove.

Another of Cambra-Sams daughters, Sammi Sams said, “I still cannot get over how beautiful the house turned out, all because of the amazing donations! Everyone went above and beyond for this family and it was just an amazing experience for us all. When I got home I hugged my little boy a little tighter when he was sleeping because I am so grateful for what we have. Sometimes we take things for granted even the small things that others would dream to have. (Healthy family, love, a roof over our head etc.) Thank you to my mom, and everyone else who participated. I feel we all came a little closer and now these people will have a place to call home”

“Words can’t express how rewarding this experience was!” Said Courtney Cohoon, “For me it all started with 13 pillows, (secured from a friend who works for a local hotel maintenance company) and before you know it- my Family and I were involved in changing the lives of another Family! Our paths cross for a reason. I couldn’t be more thankful for all the greatness that came out of this! I even gained three little sisters.” (Speaking of the 20-somethings who worked with her and others on the project.)

When asked about a few who voiced concerns about the out-pouring of support for one family, Cambra-Sams’ answer was simple. “This family was homeless. They needed our community and the generosity from those who could and wanted to support the cause. When you are doing the right thing from your heart, the stones being thrown don’t hurt.”

She went on, “I have always told my kids, if you ever look down on a person, it better be to give them a hand up.”

Alaina Nabas-Villeda -Administrator of the local “Facebook swap site” East County Family Swap and Sell (ECFSS), worked with Cambra-Sams on the project said she couldn’t be happier that the idea had come to fruition.

“These past 7 days have reminded us why ECFSS was created. Swap sites are for buying and selling and much more. Many have formed friendships for life, found a lost dog, budget minded moms score a perfect piece of furniture or affordable shoes for growing kids.”

“The week was a real journey and a very touching show of our community at its best. To have prevented another family from homelessness was the ultimate gift for Christmas.” Said Cambra-Sams.

What is the lesson here? We don’t have to completely commit ourselves to a cause, but if we can open our hearts just a little and offer a fellow human just one small thing, then we can change a life. In this case it was a whole family.

Several community members including officers from the local police department have already volunteered to spend time mentoring the family in several ways, hoping to help the family pay it forward in the future, and see them contribute back to the community.

Dawn MorrowWritten By Dawn Morrow
Photos by Sammi Sams

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