Safe at Last: Katherine's Story

Seeds have a tough outer shell to survive the harshness of winter. Katherine was the same way. She had to build walls of self-protection just to survive her childhood. First, Katherine’s birth mother wanted her, but wasn’t able to keep her. Then Katherine experienced unbelievable abuse at the hands of her adoptive parents. 

“I was beat by my mother. I was molested by my father. I was bullied.” Katherine’s only chance at survival was to put up her defenses, pushing everyone away. “I had to learn how to defend me.” 

Unfortunately, Katherine’s life in adulthood continued going from bad to worse. She married an abusive man. Katherine did her best to stay in the marriage for her children’s sake. But as the violence escalated, Katherine became terrified for her life. Her kids were removed from the home for their safety and placed in foster care. 

That’s when Katherine had to admit the truth. 

“If I didn’t find somewhere to go for safety too, I was going to be killed.” With no safe or supportive people in her life, Katherine found herself sleeping outside in the freezing cold. “I slept in Judkins Park. Or jumped from shelter to shelter.” 

The problem was that the tough outer shell Katherine had developed to protect herself was also keeping her isolated. Katherine was completely alone . . . and hopeless.

YOU GAVE A HOMELESS MOTHER HOPE 

When Katherine first arrived at Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission seeking shelter, she wasn’t sure if she would stay long. But soon, Katherine realized she was in a safe place. 

“I was able to sit down and have a therapist who prayed with me in each session. Folks would listen to me and just genuinely love on me.” 

Like a seed shedding its outer shell in healthy soil, Katherine’s heart softened. She began to heal through counseling, domestic violence classes, and caring relationships.

YOU MAKE FRESH BEGINNINGS POSSIBLE 

It wasn’t long before Katherine regained custody of her children. “I regained full custody of my children while here. That’s our personal holiday. We celebrate that!” 

After graduating from the women’s recovery program, Katherine reflected on her journey of hurt-to-healing with gratitude. 

“I’ve grown a lot. I thank God because it increased my faith. With what I’ve learned, I can help someone else.” 

With your support, Katherine ended the cycle of abuse. Her life is producing fruit that points to God’s goodness. Now, Katherine’s flourishing as a mother and in her ministry, helping other abused women heal and grow too. 

Spring is the season of hope. You can give hope to our homeless neighbors struggling on the streets. Help others like Katherine find a path out of pain and into a new life.

You're bringing God's love to our homeless neighbors

Day and night our Search + Rescue teams go to the darkest places of the greater Seattle area to deliver lifesaving care and hope. They don’t just meet urgent needs. They build relationships. And remind each person that they’re seen, valued, and loved by God. 

“I was homeless for 20 years. It was a nightmare. One night, Search + Rescue came to me. I got to meet the most amazing people. Taking the time to be personal impacted my life.” 

— Crystal 

Just as Jesus sought out those who were forgotten, your compassion reaches our lost neighbors and helps them find their way. You’re part of God’s redemptive work — turning fear into faith, isolation into belonging, and despair into new beginnings. 

“I was homeless, lost, and vulnerable. It was scary. The Search + Rescue team asked, ‘Do you mind if we pray with you?’ Seconds into prayer, I was bawling like a baby.” 

— Jason