Stories of Hope. Lives Transformed.

When I left my marital home in 2021, my world completely fell apart. I was in the middle of a painful divorce and suddenly found myself facing homelessness. For two years, I did whatever I could to survive—couch-surfing with family and friends, and moving between the Sherwood Motel and the Monterey Fairgrounds. I felt lost, but everything changed in 2023 when I walked through the doors of Victory Mission (VM).
At first, I was just a guest looking for a safe place to stay. To pass the time and feel like I was paying my way, I started volunteering around the mission. I never expected what would happen next. The staff noticed my hard work and started trusting me with more responsibilities.

Before long, I was managing the receiving and distribution of goods, making deliveries to community partners like The Montgomery House, Carlon’s, and The Bridge. Eventually, I was asked to support the Share Center and the Navigation Center by coordinating meals for their patrons, even taking on weekend breakfast and lunch preparations. Volunteering gave me a purpose again. It allowed me to become a role model and mentor for others walking a similar path, showing them how to problem-solve and stay positive.

Now, I am finally preparing to leave VM, but I am leaving as a completely different man. My divorce is finalized, my SSI retirement is secured, and I have a clear, stable path forward. I am incredibly grateful to Victory Mission. This program didn’t just give me a leg up when I was at my lowest—it completely changed my life.

I, Alex Romonosky, would like to thank The Victory Mission for the support that I received after my release from prison. I was provided with food, shelter and a place to clean up. After my stay was ongoing, the Mission also provided me with duties as a volunteer picking up and delivering food and items to places that help the needy. This gave me focus and purpose, I was able to provide myself with my Social Security, a Drivers License, and Medi-Cal. with the foundational support of the Mission. This enabled me to seek out programs to education, and eventually housing. I thank the Mission for the support that was provided that enabled me to seek out the necessary next steps. I am grateful for their help.