Every morning, 3-year-old Sai’chaun eagerly checks on his friends Bobby and Laila, reflecting the close-knit bond between their families at Solid Ground’s Sand Point Housing. Sharing a front porch, the families navigate life together, with their children inseparable and engaging in daily activities like meals and play. Both mothers, Heaven McDowell and Lashaye “Shay” Perkins, have faced significant challenges, including trauma and loss, leading them to rely on each other as single parents. Heaven returned to Sand Point after personal tragedies, while Shay sought refuge after escaping an abusive relationship. Their mutual support has become vital; they look after each other’s children and provide emotional support during tough times. Shay helped Heaven through a severe depression, demonstrating the strength of their community bonds. Solid Ground fosters this supportive environment through shared meals and activities, emphasizing the importance of community in recovery from homelessness. The friendships formed at Sand Point create a family-like atmosphere, providing essential emotional and practical support as the residents build new lives together.

Two neighbor moms and their 3 small children pose together in front of their shared front porch.
Two neighbor moms and their 3 small children pose together in front of their shared front porch. Posts: When community becomes family 
A mom crouches down by her little boy, who's wearing a Spider Man backpack.
A mom crouches down by her little boy, who's wearing a Spider Man backpack. Posts: When community becomes family 
Two adults, one teen, and three little kids sit together on a set of concrete steps.
Two adults, one teen, and three little kids sit together on a set of concrete steps. Posts: When community becomes family 
Two young kids in bathing suits stand next to a tower of green and yellow plastic rings.
Two young kids in bathing suits stand next to a tower of green and yellow plastic rings. Posts: When community becomes family 
Two young kids in bathing suits play with a giant Connect Four game.
Two young kids in bathing suits play with a giant Connect Four game. Posts: When community becomes family 
A woman crouches down to pose between a little girl on her left and a little boy on her right.
A woman crouches down to pose between a little girl on her left and a little boy on her right. Posts: When community becomes family 
A little boy peeks through a circle in a red plastic game.
A little boy peeks through a circle in a red plastic game. Posts: When community becomes family 
Three little kids and one tween, wearing summer clothes and bathing suits, eat ice cream cones.
Three little kids and one tween, wearing summer clothes and bathing suits, eat ice cream cones. Posts: When community becomes family 
A little boy grins as he reaches up to drop a yellow ring in a giant Connect Four game.
A little boy grins as he reaches up to drop a yellow ring in a giant Connect Four game. Posts: When community becomes family 
A little boy peeks through a circle in a red plastic game.
A little boy peeks through a circle in a red plastic game. Posts: When community becomes family 
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