The Hope Connection

In this episode of The Hope Connection, Nina sits down with Esmeralda, a North Campus client who shares her journey of resilience, self-reflection, and determination. After experiencing eviction and navigating health challenges, Esmeralda found her way to Haven for Hope, where she has been working to rebuild stability over the past 90 days. Esmeralda speaks candidly about the realities of homeless...

In this episode of The Hope Connection, we hear from Damon, a South Campus client at Haven for Hope, whose journey into homelessness began after spending 10 years caring for his mother as she lived with Alzheimer’s disease. After his mother passed away, Damon faced legal battles, housing instability, and the heartbreaking loss of his longtime service dog. Despite these challenges, he continues to...

Welcome back to The Hope Connection. In this episode, Nina sits down with Alon, a volunteer barber and instructor with Game Changers Barber Academy. Alon and his students visit Haven for Hope regularly to offer free haircuts to clients. For many, a fresh cut provides a moment of dignity, confidence, and connection during an incredibly challenging time. Alon shares what it feels like to teach more...

In this episode of The Hope Connection, Nina sits down with Ariel Cruz, who has been part of Haven for Hope’s community for more than a year. Ariel speaks openly about his long journey through addiction, the decision to seek help, and the steady steps he has taken toward healing. From entering detox to completing the ITP program and now participating in Pay It Forward, he has embraced the inner wo...

In this episode of The Hope Connection, Nina sits down with Chef Lorris Gibson, Executive Chef of Faith Kitchen at Haven for Hope. For over 13 years, Chef Lorris has led the team that prepares daily meals for clients on South Campus—serving not just food, but care, consistency, and dignity. What many may not realize is that Chef Lorris is also a Haven alum. Drawing from his own lived experience, h...

In this episode of The Hope Connection, Nina sits down with LSO Aguero, a Life Safety Officer at Haven for Hope, to talk about the realities of homelessness from the perspective of someone who works directly with clients every day. As an LSO, Aguero’s role goes far beyond traditional security. From responding to emergencies to building relationships with clients across Haven’s 22-acre campus, he s...

In this episode of The Hope Connection, Nina speaks with Daniel, a current North Campus client at Haven for Hope, about his experience navigating homelessness, rebuilding stability, and finding hope during a difficult season of life. After months of living on the streets following rising living costs and financial strain, Daniel came to Haven looking for a fresh start. Since arriving, he has been...

In this final episode of season 3 of The Hope Connection, we meet Dorian, a South Campus client at Haven for Hope who recently arrived in San Antonio hoping to reconnect with his mother after more than two decades apart. After spending years incarcerated, Dorian traveled from Miami to be with his mother, who is currently facing terminal cancer. When family tensions and housing instability left him...

In this heartfelt episode of The Hope Connection , host Nina speaks with Joanna and Jessica Boskis, devoted guardians of five children who found themselves without stable housing after an unexpected eviction. Determined to keep their family together, they spent time in motels before connecting with outreach services that led them to Haven for Hope’s Family Emergency Services program. At Haven, Joa...

In this episode of The Hope Connection , host Nina sits down with Krystal Treviño, a devoted mother and determined woman rebuilding her life after experiencing homelessness. When Krystal lost her job as a restaurant manager, she faced unimaginable challenges, including the loss of stable housing and the temporary separation from her children. Returning to San Antonio, she found support and a pathw...

In this episode of The Hope Connection , we meet Karen, a South Campus client at Haven for Hope. Originally from Mexico, Karen built a career as a substance abuse counselor, dedicating her life to helping others. After facing her own struggles with alcohol, she experienced a period of instability that ultimately led to homelessness. Karen has now been at Haven for a year, where she has embraced th...

In this episode of The Hope Connection, Nina speaks with Heidi, a resilient woman staying in Haven for Hope’s South Campus women’s dorm. Since arriving in 2023, Heidi has been working toward employment, deepening her faith, and healing from challenges with mental health and brain seizures. She shares her hopes of reconciling with her adult daughter and moving into a home of her own next year. Heid...

In this episode of The Hope Connection, Nina sits down with Mary, a South Campus client who shares her journey of resilience and determination. After losing her job and apartment, Mary found support at Haven for Hope during a pivotal time—the transition from mats on the floor to bunk beds for women on South Campus. Mary reflects on how something as simple as a bed has restored her sense of dignity...

In this episode of The Hope Connection, we talk with Michael, a talented local chef who turned to Haven for support after losing his job and facing serious health challenges. During a difficult period of living unhoused, Michael found community and resources at Haven that helped him begin rebuilding his life.“You have no idea how grateful I am,” Michael shares, expressing his appreciation for the...

In this episode of The Hope Connection, we sit down with Timothy, a community member currently finding support at Haven. Timothy bravely shares his journey of living with alcoholism and how self-discipline, hope, and the resources at Haven have empowered him to navigate recovery and embrace personal growth. His path began at Haven’s South Campus, eventually leading him to the Pay It Forward progra...

In this episode of The Hope Connection, we sit down with Dave, a Haven community member courageously navigating his path toward stable housing. Dave shares his journey of resilience after a series of unexpected health challenges and the heartbreaking loss of his wife, which led to financial struggles and housing instability. Before experiencing homelessness, Dave had a fulfilling career, owned a h...

In this episode of The Hope Connection, we meet Venus, a determined young woman who came to Haven after aging out of the foster care system. After experiencing homelessness for three years, she is now focused on reclaiming her future—working toward earning her diploma and pursuing college. While staying at Haven, Venus is utilizing resources like ID recovery services and other programs designed to...

In this episode of The Hope Connection, Nina shares a heartfelt conversation with Constance, a resilient individual currently finding support at Haven's South Campus. After bravely leaving an abusive relationship, Constance sought refuge in a domestic violence shelter with her children. Facing immense challenges, she reached out for mental health care during a time of deep distress. Over the p...

In this episode of The Hope Connection, we meet Kirby, a resilient individual who turned to Haven for support after a life-changing work injury left him without stable housing. After experiencing homelessness for two and a half years, Kirby found hope and community at Haven’s South Campus before transitioning to North Campus, where he continues using every available resource to rebuild his life an...

In this episode of The Hope Connection, we meet James, a community member who found hope and healing at Haven after his van — his home — was impounded. Through Haven’s services, James discovered he had experienced a stroke and was connected to life-changing medical care. Reflecting on his journey, James shares: "Thank goodness for this place. They helped me access health care and mental healt...

In this episode of The Hope Connection, we meet Leonardo "Lenny" Moreno, a resilient member of the Haven community who is working toward a fresh start. After experiencing homelessness and spending months sleeping in a park, Leonardo turned to Haven for support. While here, he has accessed essential resources like SSI assistance, ID recovery, and transitional housing services—all with the...

In this moving episode of The Hope Connection, we meet Stephan, a creative and resilient individual who found himself at Haven for Hope after a series of painful and life-changing events. Stephan shares openly about the heartbreak of losing his housing, being separated from his wife, and being arrested while trying to hold onto the last pieces of his life—including his music equipment and creative...

In this episode of The Hope Connection, we spoke with Blanca, a long-time South Campus client turned North Campus client about her time at Haven and how a bad relationship led her to homelessness."People discriminate against people who are homeless. I never dreamed about being homeless," Blanca says.

In this episode of The Hope Connection, we hear from Marivel, a resilient and candid individual who has faced homelessness from a young age. In her journey to survive, Marivel navigated life on the streets while struggling to meet her most basic needs. After experiencing incarceration and time at a state hospital, she has returned to Haven for Hope and is now working toward stability and permanent...

The Hope Connection: 10 minutes. One story. Endless hope. The Hope Connection is an inspiring interview series that gives homeless individuals at Haven for Hope a platform to share their stories in 10-minute conversations. Through personal narratives of resilience, courage, and hope, the series aims to foster empathy, challenge stereotypes, and highlight the humanity behind homelessness. Each epis...