Finding Sanctuary and Strength: The Transformative Power of Sr. Nora’s Place of Sacramento Loaves & Fishes
For women who have endured chronic homelessness and mental illness, survival often takes precedence over everything else, even over healing and the simple joys of life. Sr. Nora’s Place at Sacramento Loaves & Fishes offers more than just shelter; it provides a rare sanctuary where women can begin to move beyond survival mode and into healing, community, and hope. The journey is not easy, but as “Claudia”, a former guest shared, “Having a safe place to sleep and regular meals enabled me to begin the process of reconstructing my life. It was slow going, and I greatly appreciated that SNP allowed me the opportunity to move forward at my own pace.”
At Sr. Nora’s Place, healing is not just about meeting basic needs but about reawakening the spirit. Dr. Sarah Astarte, a psychologist and counselor who leads weekly therapy and meditation sessions, understands the depth of these stories. Her work at Sr. Nora’s Place was made possible through a generous grant from the Sisters of Mercy, allowing her to guide the women through weekly group therapy, meditation, journaling exercises, and creative projects like making holiday cards together. “These are amazing and resilient women who are deep thinkers. They are some of the best meditators I have ever worked with. We journey together.” she says.
A sense of belonging is what turns a shelter into a home. For the women at Sr. Nora’s Place, the kindness of staff, volunteers, and fellow residents provides an anchor during their most vulnerable moments. Claudia recalled the profound impact of the meal volunteers. “There were a variety of individuals and families who came, but they had one thing in common. They cared.” That care, offered through a warm meal, an encouraging word, or simply the act of listening, helps restore dignity and trust in a world that has often been unkind.
Resilience is built step by step. Claudia described how she learned to set both short-term and long-term goals, navigating the bureaucracy of housing and healthcare with patience and persistence. “When you are homeless, there is a lot of bureaucracy that you have to deal with. It can be complicated and anxiety-producing. The best thing I learned was to focus on one thing at a time.”
Today, Claudia is housed, employed, and rediscovering her passions. “I have a job and my own apartment. I am pursuing my hobbies again. I have interests and thoughts other than myself and my situation.” Her message to others facing similar hardships is one of perseverance: “Homelessness turns everything inside out and upside down and locks you into survival mode. Work on getting your feet back under you. It is possible to become housed again, but first, you need to be thinking clearly, which might require the proper medication and/or getting clean and sober.”
Gratitude runs deep for those who find solace at Sr. Nora’s Place. Claudia reflected on the support she received from staff and volunteers who helped her regain her footing. “To the staff of SNP, I would say to listen. Also to be helpful to those trying to deal with bureaucracy of all kinds. And I thank those who listened to me and those who helped me find all the forms I needed and helped me fill out those forms.” To the volunteers, she expressed heartfelt appreciation: “I appreciate so much your non-judgmental presence in SNP. There was one volunteer that I got especially close to. She was very supportive when I was trying to find an apartment and equally supportive after I moved in.”
Dr. Astarte sees this transformation weekly. “This community of women is full of vibrance and value,” she says. “Stop and listen to them. For those out there who judge homelessness, you couldn’t be more wrong. Do not dismiss these women. They have powerful stories that deserve to be heard.”
Sr. Nora’s Place of Sacramento Loaves & Fishes is more than a shelter, it’s a testament to the power of compassion, patience, and support. It is a place where women rebuild their lives, find their voices, and rediscover their strength.
January we celebrated the 20th anniversary of Sr. Nora’s Place. Would you like to volunteer in helping provide meals? Contact info@sacloaves.org to help get you started. Please consider supporting this profoundly impactful program for women to continue to find refuge and healing from homelessness.