Finding Safety and Community at Harmony Village – Laurie’s Story
For Laurie, a 65-year-old former nurse and lifelong resident of the Yuba-Sutter area, Harmony Village has been more than just a place to live. It’s been a chance to breathe again.
Harmony Village is a Permanent Supportive Housing community in Yuba City, operated by Habitat for Humanity Yuba-Sutter. It provides long-term, affordable housing with supportive services for individuals transitioning out of homelessness.
“It’s nice. I like it. People are nice. If you have a problem, people in the office are nice,” Laurie said. “You’re in a nice place.”
Laurie moved into Harmony Village two years ago after a difficult chapter in her life. Following a 30-year nursing career, she lost her license due to a legal issue and soon found herself without stable housing. She lived in a trailer, but eventually that housing situation fell through. With nowhere else to turn, she resorted to living in her car, until a violent assault near a local hospital brought her into contact with Cindy, a case worker with Habitat.
“She helped me get in here,” Laurie recalled. “When she found out I got beat up, she just moved it along faster.”
Before moving into Harmony Village, Laurie relied on the Life Building Center, also operated by Habitat Yuba-Sutter in partnership with Hands of Hope, for daily showers, laundry, and a safe place to regroup. The Life Building Center provides shelter and vital day services for people experiencing homelessness, helping them meet basic needs and connecting them with community resources. It was there that Laurie first met Cindy, who she now calls a friend.
“She kind of keeps me in line, and she has my back on things. She’s good people.”
Life at Harmony Village has brought Laurie peace, for both her and her dog Max, who spent months on the street protecting her.
“He was really on guard all the time, especially after I got beat up. If someone came toward me, he was right there. He’s my watchdog. Now he’s much happier, he thinks he owns the place.”
Although Laurie no longer practices the stained glass art she once loved, she finds comfort in the beauty of her surroundings.
“We’ve got beautiful yards, a pool, a jacuzzi, you can’t ask for more.”
These days, Laurie isn’t focused much on the future, but she’s grateful for what she has now.
“I’m in a safe place, and I’ve got good friends. That’s enough.”
When asked what advice she would give to someone experiencing homelessness, Laurie didn’t hesitate.
“Get in a safe place, like your car. Go to the Life Building Center, take a shower, wash your clothes, clean up, and see if you can get a job.”
And to those who made Harmony Village possible, her message is simple:
“Thank you.”
Laurie’s story is a reminder that everyone deserves a second chance, and a place to call home. Through efforts like Harmony Village and the Life Building Center, Habitat for Humanity Yuba-Sutter is creating spaces where people can find safety, stability, and a fresh start. For Laurie, that support meant the difference between simply surviving and truly having a place to belong. And for others still searching for that kind of stability, her journey is proof of what’s possible when a community cares, listens, and takes action.
